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INTERVIEW #18: FEATURING STEHANNIE ALCAZAR

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I don’t think I ever fully believed in myself until I started writing this column. Honestly, I’ve spent most of my life scared of nothing. By writing, I have gotten to know myself and my dreams again. As I started to follow another plan of forming my LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), I reflected on the commonalities in my experience and the experiences shared by some of the Latina HerStory alumni. It seemed – like life- being in business was more complicated – just because I was Latina. I remember searching for Latina-owned businesses to work with for Latina Herstory, and it was hard. I realized what I was looking for didn’t exist: (1). a centralized listing of Latina owned businesses (that was inclusive of a home or small niche business that are characteristic of our core economies of our community); and (2). a group of women that I shared common values and life experiences with that I could talk to about business. So late one night, on our Latina Herstory page, I added a tab that reads “Latina Business Directory.” It turns out; It’s the only one in New York. It’s the only page exclusively dedicated to Latina businesses in New York, accompanied by an accessible private community. Its history, ironically, one month in or so, we had a gathering, we had 15 seats, sold 19 tickets, and we outsold. We started a community digitally, which has grown into 40 plus Latina women and our allies. One of the women in attendance’s name was Stephannie Alcazar (two n’s on purpose), a woman who brought the spirit of the city of lions (a nickname for Ponce) to the table. Stephanie is the woman who will marry my two projects, who embodies the values that have propelled me forward, and a work ethic incomprehensible to even some of the most brutal moms I know. Thus, our Latina HerStory features will be businesswomen listed on our directory each month. Each month we will marry our column with a podcast broadcasted on Facebook that will bring our communities together and encourage others to learn about independent Latino-owned papers and local journalism. We will ultimately form a fund to build a giving circle and issue microloans to our members. Big dreams and I need big help, so again, Stephannie. In 200 words or so, she dares to believe in people more than themselves. Ella de Ponce, Fuerte is elegant, intelligent, sensitive, and easily one of the most generous people I have ever met. Spoiler alert, there’s a lot more to this amazing woman who also happens to be the proud Latina owner of “Wonderland’s Soothing Creations.” She will be everywhere in May. Look for her interview in print in our papers. If you want to catch a glimpse of her life, join our Latina HerStory or LatinasinBusinessNY communities and view the first episode of our podcast. The reason I chose to write about Stephannie is not that she’s donating 40% of her profits to LatinasinBusinessNY and granting 10% off on her entire shop for the month of May for any purchases using the Promo Code: LIBNY716 or because she makes me feel like I can take over the world. When you open yourself up to God’s love in the form of people, it can be a mighty blessing. Even her “formation story” (the story of why you started your business) is inspirational. Stephanie’s motivation to start her business centers on her love for her special needs son and his sensitivity to harsh indigents. She started making soap as a mom (her favorite job). One of her greatest assets (admittingly) is her partner in life and business, Joseph Santiago; he suggested they start a business after Stephannie lost her job during Covid, and she hasn’t looked back since. Stephannie wakes at 5 am and makes a LatinaHerstory every day- support her like you do our column. THE INTERVIEW What advice do you have for other Latinx people who want their voices to be heard in their community? I would tell them not to give up fighting for what they want to achieve; it’s not about winning. It’s about not giving up What is your theory on human potential? The limit is the sky, and people have already made it to the moon. I believe that everyone has potential, but to use that potential, they need to figure out what they want to do and what they want to achieve. What experience do you have as a businessperson? As a businessperson, some of the best experiences I’ve had so far are that I’ve grown as a person, and I never stop learning. Also, now I make plans- I try to be more organized, and I get to be more creative at the same time. I’ve learned to be more open-minded, and I’ve learned to manage my time better. How would you define a businessperson? I believe a businessperson must be committed, decided, and can create their path: a person willing to take the risk and the chance to achieve their goals. 5. Is there a local business person you look up to? I look up to those local businesses still standing even when they’ve struggled to stay up and run but didn’t give up. I look up to those business owners that day who fight hard for what they want and don’t give up, and if they fall, they get up and come back stronger even if I don’t know them personally; I know they are out there in this region. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Peace People Politics INTERVIEW #31: MARIA CRUZ July 4, 2023/No Comments On June 2, 2007, I posted my first Facebook photo. I made identity-affirming Latina-centered student content before it was seen Read More INTERVIEW #30: CASSANDRA BOCANEGRA PONCE June 4, 2023/No Comments My son is a six-year-old CEO. We started

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BETTER LATE THEN NEVER: WHY NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH!

2 Comments / People / Buffalo Latino Village

BETTER LATE THEN NEVER: WHY NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH! Women! Ha! What are they good for? Ha! ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! For starters, how did you come into existence? Is she not the gateway between the eternal cosmic realms of potential and our temporarily human form: A manifestation of life to walk, explore, discover, develop, exploit, and eventually fade back into the annals from where we came? Whoa-Man! More than a walking condom, she’s gone where most men have yet to go. Liberated from the status of being regarded as a second-rate citizen and undomesticated to be more than a pair of slippers laboring in the kitchen – She’s gone from making babies and scrambling breakfast eggs to rattling man’s brain to near insane. She’s gone from burning bras to igniting rockets that have taken astronauts into space and back (regardless of discrimination, three black women made Armstrong’s first flight into the wild blue yonder possible). In fact, more than a cartoon Super Girl and Wonder Woman, she’s taken the ride into the stars herself (Russia, 1963, Vostok 6 mission, 1st, and only solo woman cosmonaut while in the USA, 1993, Discovery shuttle, 1st Latina into space to return and become director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center). Not only do women recycle life on this planet, but Greek history also shows how they trigger men into the war (Helen of Troy). From indigenous tribes (Arawak’s) of the Amazon, “Caribe Headhunters” chased “Taino women” down river onto the Atlantic Ocean – thus populating the Caribbean islands. From the desert sands of the Old Testament to the prison bars of today, “Coveting Thy Neighbor’s Wife” is a thriving virus in man’s DNA. So, what of a woman’s DNA? No longer just teachers, librarians, nurses, and other servant positions; For sure they rival, even threaten, traditional “MASCULINE” social, political, and economic professions. Today women play in the powerful arenas of policy shaking and making. But is that new? Think about it. History has shown the truth to the joke/not joke of “Behind the great man – there – a greater woman.” In fact, they say “Deny all men sex for 30 days and not only will there be global chaos but, in the end, guess who will be on their knees saying, “Your Wish Is My Command.” How sad! Behind the successful race for limelight equal opportunity, there is something disgraced. Motherhood! Sacred, center stage, and seriously ill-equipped and underestimated. There is the saying “Father God – Mother Earth,” “Ying n Yang,” “Heckle n Jeckle.” All implying balance. Deeper still! I’ve heard an old Mexican saying, “Man may build the house (the world) but woman rules, sustains and makes it home. Without it, from the cradle on, society’s future has been decaying. Mind you, mother, primary caregiver, and teacher nurture future individual citizens’ morals, ethics, beliefs, and principles. The imbalance becomes first evident when a child is passed onto the institutions of social education: 2nd mama! Thus, the clash between home, school, and workforce expectations begin and perpetuates. Think not? Think mental illness! A society full Dr, Jekyll’s, and Mister Hyde’s. My uncle use to say, “There is nothing more magnificently beautiful, that God created under the heavens than a woman.” They also say: “there is nothing worse than the scourge of a woman.” Read More From This Writer All Post Food Government Health Interviews Lower West Side Business & Economic Development Peace People BETTER LATE THEN NEVER: WHY NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH! April 17, 2022/No Comments POST TITLE (CAPITAL) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus Read More “LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD” February 17, 2022/No Comments “LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD” Wow! February! Lovey dove time for couples to share flowers, chocolates, dinner, special gifts, and of Read More FOR WHAT’S ANOTHER NEW YEAR January 17, 2022/No Comments FOR WHAT’S ANOTHER NEW YEAR The New Year is a worldwide celebration mainly full of parties, costumes, drinking and resolutions Read More Load More End of Content.

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JUWERIA DAHIR

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JUWERIA DAHIR The complexities of interwoven communities like Buffalo, NY might give some pause as people struggle to maintain their identities while acclimating to the community. There is Beauty in differences because we learn from one another. We ultimately realize that we have more in common. If you keep good relationships and friendships, you’ll ultimately find that you are helping one another get a better understanding of what each other’s life is like. Almost 9 years ago a friend and I were co-teachers of the crochet/knitting class for refugee women and their supporters hosted by H.E.A.L International (Helping Everyone Achieve Livelihood). That’s where I met this beautiful young Lady! Juweria Dahir had relocated to the US from the UK after marrying Mohammed, a Buffalo Native. The newlyweds were expecting their firstborn son. He was a model for a crochet kufi I made that summer. She studied Architecture & Urban Planning at UB and worked at City Hall. We stayed connected over the years and spent time together with our children at Wegman’s – Global Book Hour; local parks and apple/pumpkin/maple farms. Last Spring, she announced that she was hired as the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for All (EForAll). I was so proud that she stepped out in Faith toward a new career. Its mission as stated on its website: “EforAll is accelerating economic and social impact in communities nationwide through inclusive entrepreneurship.” In Mid Summer she was looking for an assistant and eventually asked my 19-year-old, AAliyah, to join the team as an intern. To support them both, I went to all events. I loved the energy and the vibe; they had amazing vendors, volunteers, guests, and speakers. By the end of summer, there were applications for the Pitch Contest and Business Accelerator Program. Juweria encouraged me to apply to both. I had an idea that I held in my mind and heart for 4+ years. I won “Fan Favorite” at the Pitch Contest and was selected for the program. When I think of the young lady, I was teaching crochet for 9 years at H.E.A.L. International with their mission; I read the EForAll’s mission, and I am convinced that there are no coincidences. She was prepared! The 14 entrepreneurs in the Winter Business Accelerator are learning so much from Juweria Dahir and the team of volunteers and mentors she’s assembled. The entrepreneurs can testify that this opportunity has afforded us the ability to believe in ourselves again; dream big and go after our dreams. But don’t take it from me! Follow EForAll on Facebook and Instagram. If your FIRE is sparked, then APPLY for the Summer 2022 Business Accelerator Program! I’m so grateful for my spiritual sister – Juweria Dahir. Our journey together has proven to me that LIFE TRULY does come to FULL CIRCLE if you Stay Connected, Keep Good Relationships and Friendships. Read More From This Writer All Post Food Health Interviews Lower West Side Business & Economic Development People JUWERIA DAHIR April 13, 2022/No Comments POST TITLE (CAPITAL) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus Read More MISS BUFFALO on the MARCH! March 13, 2022/No Comments MISS BUFFALO on the MARCH! It’s not very often when we have a striking connection with someone, and you not Read More Aminah Johnson February 13, 2022/No Comments AMINAH JOHNSON As part of this new column, I’ll like to celebrate people in our community for the work that Read More Load More End of Content.

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