letter from the editor
[ It ’ s the dawning of a new era … ]
Hola Mi Gente Bonita de Tampa Bay !
Welcome to our first issue of Latin Times Magazine in 2008 !
As I said goodbye to 2007 , I was gathered with my close friends , and I felt consumed with gratitude , the many blessings from God so apparent in this past year , and 2008 promises to be even better .
What better way to start off this new and exciting year than by re-capping my year , a year filled with so many wonderful blessings . I feel very fortunate to be living a dream , by pursuing what is in my heart . My biggest moments in 2007 were :
February 2007 : Winning the 2007 Tampa Bay Business Journal ’ s Minority Business Person of Year in Professional Services . August 2007 : Winner of the Idiolo Award for Best Spanish Owned Magazine in Tampa Bay – By Centro Asturiano
[ Thank you to God , thank you to my incredible son Nikko , thank you to my wonderful family , thank you to all my wonderful clients and thank you to my wonderful circle of Friends ! ]
I am not going to attempt to list all of the individual names , because I don ’ t want to run the risk of forgetting to mention anyone ! You know who you all are ! I made so many wonderful new friends in 2007 , there are my girls of course and to them I send a special message : 2008 is our year ! ( See you on the Island !)
What a journey it has been , at least for me it was …. 2007 , wow great wonderful surprises as it was my biggest year of growth , AND my greatest year of sacrifice , with many disappointments along the way . Lo bueno , con lo malo – right ? After all , that ’ s life .
2008 , is a year of growth and prosperity for us all , it ’ s time to look around us and enjoy the many opportunities that are just sitting there waiting to be noticed and taken .
It ’ s a dawning of a new era … I feel it ! In recent years there have been so many changes for Latinos in America , never have those changes been more prevalent than in 2007 , with this New Year being an election year , I would like to urge everyone to VOTE in 2008 ! Get educated and know where the candidates stand on important issues , such as Health Care , Education and most especially IMMIGRATION . I would like to stress the importance of that subject – although I am from Puerto Rico , I feel compassion and understanding for my Latino brothers and sisters from other Latin Countries . I stand with you , and urge everyone once again to VOTE ! Latino let our voices be heard in 2008 !
My advice to you for 2008 :
Live a dream with every moment you live , enjoy it with every breath you take ….. Live every moment of your life , like it ’ s your last …. Fight , for your dreams … and your beliefs , laugh , laugh , laugh ….. enjoy every moment , all the while pursuing your every dream as if your life depended on it .
I was relieved to see 2007 end , because I have a lot of goals that will finally become a reality in 2008 .
The premier of our new Website : Latin-Times . com ! Latin-Times . com will incorporate local and national cultural information as well as many wonderful features and useful functions , all presented in an attractive website format that is entertaining and easy to use .
Latin Times Commercials ! The Latin Times Magazine and Latin ConneXions Business Networking Commercials will start appearing on Telemundo in 2008 .
Stay Tuned to LatinoWebTV ! Latin Times will be releasing a local , cultural web TV show in 2008 !
Our Fabulous Events ! Please make sure you visit our website often to check on our new and exciting upcoming events ! If you are not receiving our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter , please register TODAY !
Thank you to God and mi familia ! See you at the next Latin ConneXions ! -Sigue Pa ’ lante , Jolie
As I was finishing off this 1st . issue of 2008 , I found out that my beautiful grandmother in Puerto Rico had died . Such huge sadness fills me as I dedicate this issue to her memory : Maria Aponte , Corozal , Puerto Rico .
6 LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | February - april 2008