This photograph captures Dr. Ricardo Bogaert-Alvarez in a moment of true conviction. He is mid-reading the poem "Oh Americano," his hand raised emphasizing the urgency of his words. I took this photo during a Su Teatro's WordFest, which I attended as a CALMA intern. I witnessed how storytelling can serve as both a reflection and catalsyt for social change. During the event, I heard "Oh Americano" for the first time. This poem calls for courage, unity, and responsibility in th

Introduction These three words, individually, are powerful nouns. When they are combined as a set, the meaning evokes an optimistic outlook and high expectations of how individuals should be welcomed into their respective and corporate role as a person within the institution or organization. Fostering an inclusive organization that values diversity and equity is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, in some instances, it has been interpreted as imposing quotas and simply fol

Growing Intentionally via Systemic Thinking (GIST) A Conscious Awareness Approach Frank S. Dávila, PhD June 2024 Introduction Have you ever wondered where you would be at this very moment if you had chosen a different profession or career? You are not here by accident. You made a choice to pursue a career or your passion or simply to follow a new and exciting experience. And if you didn’t take any initiatives to find your best pathway, that too was a choice! Once you lan

Authors Karen Gonzales, Manuel Ramos with Kimberly Sanchez, Teacher/Author & Latinos in Action Students - February 2024 Author Sanjuanita Mendoza and Kimberly Sanchez, Teacher/Author - April, 2024 Author Frank Davila presenting to students at Gateway High School Library - May, 2024

Presenter Dr. Irene Blea, 11 CALMA Authors and Aspiring Writers in Attendance in discussion to network and share tips to begin or finish writing a manuscript.

Platicas Student Discussion Event Bilingual Poetry Gateway High School In Partnership with CALMA & Latinos In Action April 19, 2024 CALMA Guests Ricardo Bogaert & Ricardo LaFore

Ricardo LaFore and Ernesto Alvarado, Musicians and Poets at St. John Frances Chapel Regis University

Life was a whirlwind, never enough arms to haul and carry groceries, babies, and books. I seldom had enough time to hold and play with my little girls, cuddle my baby, or cook. The meat and vegetables I threw in the old crockpot were mush when I got home in the evening. I ate on the run rushing to college, I could barely taste it as I drove gulping my food, One day I read what the children had contributed to the Head Start cookbook. There were all kinds of cute dictations li

Recently, I was asked how I decided what to write and how I approach the subject. I had never given this much thought but it appears I write about what is happening where I am. During the height of the Chicano Movement, I wrote and presented my poetry at rallies, meetings, and evening sessions with other poets. In the 1980s I worked on a Ph.D. and wrote three thirty-page term papers every three months to fulfill the requirements for my doctorate. Before I retired as a tenured

Writing to me is like making tortillas for the first time. You must have the right ingredients and utensils: Ingredients Needed: Writing Tortillas Craving Four Hunger Salt Desire Baking Powder Persistence Shortening Momentum Hot Water Pride Heat Imagination Dreams Utensils: Pencil or Pen Rolling Pen Paper