Category Archives: Wise Latinas

The Good and Bad

Posted on January 18, 2012 | 1 Comment

SOPAPILLAS…GOOD

SOPA/PIPA…BAD!

→ 1 Comment

Posted in LatinoVote '12, Texas Dems 2012, Wise Latinas, Your Wallet

The Shift: Hispanics in America

Posted on August 24, 2011 | Comments Off

This vid I came upon today was produced by the Center for Hispanic Leadership, which has a commitment to creating Hispanic Talent. Warning to Tea Partiers – Your head may fall off after watching this.

Comments Off

Posted in Chicanos on Screen, Count Me!, Cultura Chicana, DC Ojo, El Mundo, HoustonVotes '11, Immigration, La Familia, LatinoVote '11, LatinoVote '12, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Wise Latinas

Judith Cruz Against Child Nutrition Program

Posted on November 22, 2010 | 2 Comments

JUDITH CRUZ AGAINST NUTRITION PROGRAM

Juliet Stipeche Defends First Class Breakfast Program

Houston ISD has been touting a successful program called the First Class Breakfast.

The First Class Breakfast program is an initiative that allows HISD to do even more to make sure students have a nutritious breakfast so they can learn to their full potential. HISD began serving free breakfast to all students several years ago. It is a well documented fact that when students start their school day with a good breakfast they tend to perform and behave better. But when breakfast is served in the school cafeteria before school, two-thirds of students skip it. To make sure children get a nutritious breakfast every day, the district has implemented the First Class Breakfast program to serve breakfast right in the classroom during the first few minutes of the first class. The program is in place at all elementary and middle schools totaling 215 campuses that are conveniently serving students breakfast right at their desks.

Unfortunately, only one of the candidates running for HISD Trustee District 8 supports the successful program, and that’s Juliet Kathy Stipeche. In an interview with Charles Kuffner of OffTheKuff.com, Judith Cruz was asked about the quality of nutrition programs at Houston ISD, but instead, chose to rail against the First Class Breakfast program.

“I think the first thing that comes to mind…breakfast in the classroom…I think it’s completely unnecessary,” said Judith Cruz, adding, “I don’t see starving children everyday in HISD; you know, kids might be a little bit hungry, but they’re not starving.”

Even after Kuffner explained to Cruz the “Devil’s advocate” side, Cruz was not in support of the nutrition program.

KUFFNER:  The Devils advocate argument for that is that children do less well in the classroom and that some children don’t go for the free breakfast because they feel like, you know, they stand out and that by bringing it into the classroom it kind of equalizes things, you don’t see it that way?

JUDITH CRUZ:  I don’t.

Juliet Kathy Stipeche is a strong supporter of the First Class Breakfast program and believes in serving quality, nutritious, and tasty breakfasts to HISD’s students.

“I cannot see how a former teacher, who has seen hungry children with her own eyes, can be against this program,” said Stipeche. “It is a known fact that children in urban areas like Houston face increased levels of poverty, hunger, and diets that are not beneficial to children.  Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day, and programs like this one are known to improve student achievement and discipline.”

Regarding Cruz’s comments that she has not seen “starving” children in the schools, it would seem she is out of touch with Houston’s reality. The Houston Food Bank recently reported serving 400,000 Houston-area children in 2009, which was an 85 percent increase, compared with 2005.  80% of HISD children are economically disadvantaged, which means they meet the federal criteria for free or reduced lunches. According to HISD, student participation in the breakfast program has increased substantially; ensuring children are prepared for that long day of learning.

So, you can do a couple of things:  VOTE JULIET FOR HISD (and if you do not live in HISD-8, tell your friends and family that do live there to VOTE JULIET) and in these days of even greater need, make a contribution to the Houston Food Bank.

KUFFNER INTERVIEW

http://offthekuff.com/wp/?p=31488 (Cruz comments on program at 12-minute mark)

Translated below.

Continue reading →

→ 2 Comments

Posted in K-12 Education, Wise Latinas

OutSmart Covers HISD-8 Candidate Juliet Stipeche

Posted on November 15, 2010 | Comments Off

Brandon Wolf at OutSmart provides us a very good article and interview on candidate for Houston ISD JULIET STIPECHE. Give it a read!

Join the Juliet Stipeche Campaign
www.julietforhisd.com/

Phone Banking – Seven Days a Week
Juliet Stipeche’s campaign office is at 7049 Lawndale in between Wayside and 75th Street.
Phone banking goes on every day between 2 and 8 p.m.
Monday–Friday, 10–6 on Saturday and 1–6 on Sunday.

Houston GLBT Political Caucus – Montrose Block Walking
Sunday, November 14, 2010 • 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Caucus Headquarters: 1124 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77006

Important Dates:

Early Voting Dates:   November 18–24 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., including Saturday and Sunday)

Early Voting Locations:

Austin High School – 1700 Dumble, Houston, TX 77023
Furr High School – 520 Mercury, Houston 77013
Gregory-Lincoln Educational Center — 1101 Taft, Houston, TX 77019
West Gray Adaptive Recreation Center — 1475 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019

Election Day:   Tuesday, November 30

A complete list of polling locations is here (.pdf).

Anyone with an application for ballot by mail can send it to:

Houston ISD Run-Off Election
P.O. Box 924287
Houston, TX 77292

To request an application for ballot by mail, please call 713-556-6121.

Comments Off

Posted in 2010 Profiles, K-12 Education, LatinoVote '10, Texas Dems 2010, Unidos Con GLBT, Viva La Union, Wise Latinas

Dia de los Muertos Poetry Reading in the Heights

Posted on October 28, 2010 | Comments Off

Comments Off

Posted in DC Chicanos, DC Ojo, La Familia, Oportunidades, Para La Gente, Wise Latinas

Juliet Earns Hispanic Chamber Endorsement

Posted on October 24, 2010 | Comments Off

Juliet Kathy Stipeche is on a roll with another important endorsement from an organization that serves the community.

And here’s a link to a blog post on the candidate in the race who wants to close down schools–the very hubs that serve our neighborhoods. Juliet believes in common sense solutions to the challenges our schools face. And that’s why Juliet has been able to put together a coalition of supporters which make up the various sectors of the community.

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Juliet Stipeche  713-520-6667

JULIET KATHY STIPECHE ANNOUNCES HISPANIC CHAMBER ENDORSEMENT

Juliet Kathy Stipeche, candidate for Houston ISD Trustee-District 8, is pleased to announce that she has earned the endorsement of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC.  Stipeche issued this statement:

“I set out to earn the support of individuals and organizations that are connected to District 8, and the Houston Hispanic Chamber is one of those groups who have proven themselves as a hub for strengthening the economic viability of our community, while wholeheartedly supporting our schools.

I strongly believe that public schools and the business community must work together to create a cooperative environment in which students, teachers, and all stakeholders can thrive, while developing opportunities to prepare students for the real world.”

The daughter of immigrant parents, Juliet Kathy Stipeche is an accomplished attorney and community leader. A graduate of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice where she graduated at the top of her class, Juliet received her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Rice University and her law degree from the University of Texas. A product of the East End, Juliet resides in the Idylwood community with her husband and law partner Wesley Nagorny, III.

-30-

Comments Off

Posted in 2010 Profiles, Endorsements, Houston Politica, K-12 Education, LatinoVote '10, Wise Latinas

Juliet Stipeche Earns the Support of Local Electeds

Posted on October 22, 2010 | Comments Off

You know, the 2011 legislative session is coming really fast, new initiatives from the Obama administration will be promoted, and our community colleges will soon be taking a higher profile, too.  Being in tune to all of these initiatives will be key to achieving success in our public education system. Well, it looks like Juliet Stipeche has earned the support of elected leaders from all levels which make decisions affecting public education.

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Juliet Stipeche  713-520-6667

JULIET KATHY STIPECHE EARNS SUPPORT OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

Juliet Kathy Stipeche, candidate for Houston ISD Trustee-District 8, continues to receive the support of a growing list of elected officials who work everyday to support our public schools, including:

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Precinct Two Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia
Texas Senator Mario Gallegos
State Representative Carol Alvarado
State Representative Ana Hernandez
State Representative Garnet Coleman
State Representative Armando Walle
HISD Board Trustee, District 3 Manuel Rodriguez, Jr.
City of Jacinto City Mayor Christopher Diaz
HCC Trustee Mary Ann Perez
HCC Trustee Eva Loredo

“I am proud to have received the support of these elected officials,” said Stipeche, adding, “I intend to be the type of school board member who forges positive relationships with our elected officials at all levels because we have a job to do; and that’s ensuring every child in Houston ISD gets the education and preparation they deserve.”

Early Voting continues through October 29, 2010.  Election Day is on November 2. Polling locations may be found atwww.HarrisVotes.org.

The daughter of immigrant parents, Juliet Kathy Stipeche is an accomplished attorney and community leader. A graduate of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice where she graduated at the top of her class, Juliet received her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Rice University and her law degree from the University of Texas. A product of the East End, Juliet resides in the Idylwood community with her husband and law partner Wesley Nagorny, III.

-30-

Comments Off

Posted in 2010 Profiles, Houston Politica, K-12 Education, LatinoVote '10, Wise Latinas

Juliet Stipeche Announces Community Group Support

Posted on October 22, 2010 | Comments Off

Just got this from Juliet’s campaign. It’s good to see a candidate receiving support from groups with roots deep in the community.

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Juliet Stipeche  713-520-6667

JULIET KATHY STIPECHE ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS IN HISD-8 RACE

As we reach Early Voting Weekend, Juliet Kathy Stipeche, candidate for Houston ISD Trustee – District 8, is pleased to announce endorsements, to date, from major organizations representative of the community, including the Houston Federation of Teachers, Mexican American Sheriff’s Organization, Houston GLBT Political Caucus PAC, and the Houston Organization of Spanish Speaking Officers.

“I am pleased to have earned the trust of our district’s teachers,” said Stipeche, “Our teachers deserve to be treated with respect and fairness as they are on the front lines of creating the next generation of community leaders. As a community, we must all work together to ensure the next generation is well-prepared.”

Gayle Fallon, president of HFT, stated that Juliet is a product of the district’s schools and that she impressed teachers with her willingness to put aside teacher bashing and silver bullet approaches to education reform in favor of seeking real solutions from the teachers and parents who deal with urban problems on a daily basis.

“Juliet is about fixing our schools – not selling pieces of HISD to a few charter interests. She is about collaboration and real solutions – not scapegoating our teachers,” concluded Fallon.

With numerous teen suicides making the news, the issue of bullying in the schools has come to the forefront. The Houston ISD board needs members who will serve as liaisons with community organizations, including groups like the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, with the expertise to develop, promote and enforce strict anti-bullying policies.

“The GLBT community has so much at stake in our schools,” said Kris Banks, President of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus.  “GLBT students deserve protection from bullying at schools. GLBT teachers and school administrators deserve safeguards so they can continue their calling. And GLBT parents deserve good neighborhood schools to send their children to.”

Added Stipeche, “It is grassroots community groups like The Caucus who can help us develop policies, as well as provide outreach to inform the community of such policies. I look forward to working with The Caucus on these issues.”  If elected, Juliet also plans to work with the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools Program, GLSEN, and HATCH.

Stipeche is also proud to have earned the support of local law enforcement groups which serve the District 8 community.

Stated Stipeche, “I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, parents, and others who utilize our facilities.  Creating relationships with key groups, such as MASO and OSSO, will help bring together the law enforcement community to address the safety concerns of our district and surrounding neighborhoods.”

Early Voting continues through October 29, 2010.  Election Day is on November 2. Polling locations may be found at www.HarrisVotes.org.

The daughter of immigrant parents, Juliet Kathy Stipeche is an accomplished attorney and community leader. A graduate of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice where she graduated at the top of her class, Juliet received her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Rice University and her law degree from the University of Texas. A product of the East End, Juliet resides in the Idylwood community with her husband and law partner Wesley Nagorny, III.

-30-

Comments Off

Posted in 2010 Profiles, Houston Politica, LatinoVote '10, Wise Latinas

Viva La Feminista!

Posted on July 14, 2010 | Comments Off

Veronica Arreola at Ms. Magazine’s blog begins a series on Latinas and Feminism called “Summer of Feminista.”  In it, she highlights the various views of Latinas toward feminism.

Despite what we may think of feminism, Latinas and our communities have not been immune to the societal changes that feminism has brought. According to a new report, Latino men admit to wanting more time to care for their children, Latinas are less worried about children growing up in a single parent household and Latino men and women overwhelmingly want their daughters to have interesting careers.

So what do Latinas think of feminism?

In the first entry of a summer project I’ve launched called “Summer of Feminista,” Elizabeth of International Dreamsstruggles with her mother’s view of feminism (“I do not need a man”) and her lived feminism (co-parenting with her husband). She reminisces about what feminism meant to her in third grade and what it means today.

I want to thank the folks at Ms. for including this pro-Feminist Chicano in disseminating this blog.  Thanks to Ms. Arreola for taking on this task–and if you’re headed to Netroots Nation, she will be a speaker!

And to add to some of the thoughts, here’s a quote from my famous higher-ed leader sis, “By definition, a Chicana is a feminist, and if you’re not an activist, you better become one.”

Comments Off

Posted in Cultura Chicana, La Familia, LatinoVote '10, Wise Latinas

My Morning at FIEL Houston

Posted on June 16, 2010 | Comments Off

The FIEL Houston Executive Board

I spent a couple of hours visiting with the hard-working people of Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (Immigrant Families and Students in the Struggle), located in SW Houston, just outside of the Mahatma Ghandi District on Hillcroft. While it was an informal visit to experience the unveiling of their new website, as well as a talk about the newest Texas Congressional supporters of the DREAM Act, I was able to sit in during a Telemundo interview.

FIEL recently celebrated its third anniversary as a non-profit organization available to assist immigrant students with financial aid and scholarship information that will allow students to access a college education after completing K-12, as well as serve as a conduit to immigration services around Houston.  Finally, FIEL also conducts legislative research and action on issues surrounding comprehensive immigration reform, and is at the forefront of the DREAM Act movement which is picking up steam on a daily basis. In fact, it is through legislative and direct action that FIEL Houston is able to create a leadership base for the next generation.

Directed by Cesar Espinosa, FIEL Houston also has a board of active and engaged members who help guide the organization through its mission.  With a commitment to family unity, FIEL Houston literally brings families together for the purpose of building a better and diverse Houston, Texas, and America.

There’s no doubt that the DREAM Act and CIR will become reality and organizations like FIEL Houston will be a reason for their enactments. And while the DREAM Act is the lead legislative goal of the group, Espinosa answers the question:  What happens once DREAM Act is passed?

“Well, FIEL Houston will become available to assist the DREAM Act benefit recipients through their change in immigration status, but we will also continue our work to pass and enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform.”

Board Member Dayana Gomez is a founder of the organization and gives this description regarding her support of the DREAM Act, “The DREAM Act would help students who were brought here at a young age to continue their studies; the Act gives hope for these students to continue their studies.”

Personally, Gomez’s goal is to complete a Master of Social Work so that she can continue assisting the Latino community with elevated services not readily available.  Again, this organization will be credited with the leaders which it creates.

Regarding the goals of FIEL Houston, Gomez promotes student involvement, “Whether it is with FIEL or other groups, the more involved you get, the easier change will happen.”

Gomez also stressed that once the DREAM Act is passed, the work is not done, “DREAM Act is the first part of the struggle, but we will continue working for comprehensive immigration reform.”

DosCentavos.net would like to thank this wonderful organization for the grand tour, the discussion, and for just plain existing. They serve as an example for other organizations in regards to being focused, aware, and ready to put in the sweat equity to make change happen.

For more information, visit http://FIELHouston.org. You can also follow them on Twitter at:  http://twitter.com/FIELHouston. And on YouTube.

Comments Off

Posted in DREAM Act, El Mundo, Higher Education, Houston Politica, Immigration, K-12 Education, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Wise Latinas