comprende 032: From Latina Jewelry Powerhouses to Olympic Champions & Elevating U.S. Latinos!

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 32nd edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we celebrate the remarkable journey of the Gandia sisters as they transform their family jewelry business into a beacon of inclusivity and sustainability.

• We also spotlight the historic wins of Latina athletes at the Paris Olympics, showcasing their record-breaking achievements and inspiring performances.

• Lastly, we introduce the Elevate Latinos initiative, empowering young Latinos to share real facts and drive meaningful community change.

So, grab your cafecito, settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️

Gandia Sisters: From Childhood Play to Jewelry Powerhouses

Puerto Rican sisters Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia-Gambale grew up immersed in the glittering world of jewelry. Their father, a master jeweler, and their mother established Greenwich St. Jewelers in 1976. The shop specialized in custom work, antique restoration, and repairs. As children, Jennifer and Christina spent countless hours playing in the shop, absorbing the artistry around them.

Despite this early exposure, their parents encouraged them to find their own paths. Jennifer ventured into the beauty industry, working for NARS. However, the family business called her back. She used her marketing skills to revitalize the shop, which was struggling post-9/11. Christina, with a background in finance and a Graduate Gemologist degree, soon followed. Together, they formed a dynamic right-brain-left-brain partnership.

In 2011, the sisters took over as co-owners. They embraced the unique challenges of running a family business, even collaborating with an industrial psychologist to improve communication and team dynamics. Their efforts culminated in the opening of a 1,550-square-foot flagship store in TriBeCa in 2022. This new location showcases both their in-house brand and curated pieces from over forty independent designers, emphasizing inclusivity and supporting Latinx, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ vendors.

Greenwich St. Jewelers prioritizes sustainability, using recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds. Committed to giving back, Jennifer and Christina support organizations that promote inclusion and representation. They strive for lasting DEI change in the industry.

As the first Latinas to win the prestigious GEM Award and be inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame, they honor their parents’ legacy while paving the way for future generations.

Check out their full feature on Hispanic Executive here: How the Gandia Sisters Took Up the Jewelry Mantle.

Paris Olympics: Latina Athletes Break Records and Win Big

Latinas have not only been winning medals throughout the Paris Olympics but have also been making history. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Guatemala are celebrating their historic wins, thanks to the incredible skills of Latina athletes.

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade finished second behind Simone Biles at the women’s all-around gymnastics finals, adding a silver medal to her collection. Andrade's achievements at the Paris Olympics continue her history-making journey, following her gold and silver wins at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Mexican-Kenyan judoka Prisca Awiti Alcaraz made history by winning Mexico’s first Olympic medal in judo, taking home a silver on July 30. She triumphed over Poland’s Angelika Szymanska, the No. 4 ranked women’s judo competitor in the world.

Guatemalan shooter Adriana Ruano Oliva became Guatemala’s first Olympic gold medalist in the women’s trap event, setting an Olympic record by hitting 45 of her 50 targets.

Other notable Latina winners include Jordan Chiles and Hezly Rivera, who secured a gold medal for women’s team gymnastics, and Beatriz Souza, who took home a gold medal in women’s judo +78kg.

These historic victories showcase the exceptional talents and dedication of Latina athletes, inspiring future generations and breaking barriers in the world of sports. The Paris Olympics continue to be a platform for these athletes to shine and make their mark on history.

For a full coverage on the Latinas making waves at The Paris Olympics check out this post from HipLatina: Latina Athletes Make History at the Paris Olympics

Elevate Latinos: Empowering Young Latinos to share the real facts about our community

Elevate Latinos, an initiative by the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), has officially launched its new website and social media channels. This platform is dedicated to empowering young Latinos in the U.S. with real facts, enabling them to elevate our community and drive meaningful change.

The LDC is a Comprende Creative client and helping bring this vision to life has been a tremendous honor. Historically, the LDC's data and insights have been targeted towards decision-makers and resource allocators, such as Fortune 500 executives and politicians.

@elevatelatinos

Unite with Elevate Latinos to reveal the true impact of Latinos in the U.S. Share real facts, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate our co... See more

Through Elevate Latinos, we aim to democratize these valuable resources, making them accessible to young people who can use this data to speak out on important issues, dispel stereotypes, and showcase the power of U.S. Latinos.

The data from the LDC played a significant role in my decision to start Comprende. Seeing its potential to drive broader change, it's a fulfilling full-circle moment to now have the LDC as a client and partner in this mission.

We’re just getting started. I invite you to explore our new website and follow us on social media to stay informed and engaged. Together, let’s get loud and make a difference!

Deal Insights from Momentum’s $15 Million Raise, Biden-Harris’ Working Capital Pilot Program, and Upcoming Funding Opportunities

Breaking Down a Fundraising Deal: How Momentum, an AI-Powered Customer Intelligence Platform, Raised Their $15 Million Series A

Earlier this week Momentum’s co-founder and CEO, Santiago Suarez Ordoñez, announced their $15 million fundraising round led by FirstMark Capital and Stage 2 Capital.

How did Momentum successfully raise their round? After reviewing FirstMark Capital's announcement of their investment in Momentum, here were a few contributing factors:

1. Unique and Scalable Solution: What differentiated Momentum from other AI start-ups was their ability to find a unique application of generative AI technology that solved a large enough pain point for enterprise clients, while also being a scalable solution.

2. Experienced Team: Momentum’s founding team have strong, relevant experience where their CEO, Santiago Suarez Ordoñez, is a serial founder who led a team of engineers at MuleSoft leading up to its IPO. Trust in a founding team to execute can be a large reason as to why investors end up investing in a company.

Biden-Harris Administration Launches Working Capital Pilot Program

Last month Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program, offering a new line of credit designed for flexibility compared to traditional term loans.

This program allows businesses to access working capital earlier in their sales cycle, manage cash flow more effectively, and support both domestic and international sales, ultimately helping them to grow their operations.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• We All Grow Latina x Capital One | The Amigas in Business Pitch Competition | Apply by August 15th

  • For business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs: $20k, $30k, and $50k grants

• Hispanic Heritage Foundation & Bacardi USA | Visión Verde Grant | Apply by August 25

  • For Latine founders in the beverage/alcohol services/sales/hospitality industries $10K

La Esquinita is written by Comprende Collaborator, Adriana Román. Learn more about Adriana or connect with her on LinkedIn here

If you’re a founder that wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, please fill out this form: Comprende Founders Submission

How to Make: Colombian Arepas

Arepas are a staple in Colombian cuisine, loved for their versatility and delicious simplicity. Made from cornmeal, these golden patties are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be topped or filled with a variety of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)

• 2 1/2 cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil

• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until a dough forms. If using cheese, mix it into the dough at this stage.

2. Shape the Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Cook the Arepas: Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and add the butter or oil. Place the arepas on the griddle and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped.

4. Serve: Serve the arepas warm. They can be enjoyed plain, split open and filled with your favorite ingredients like cheese, ham, or avocado, or topped with butter.

Arepas are not just a dish; they are a culinary canvas, inviting you to experiment with different flavors and fillings. Enjoy this Colombian classic as a delicious way to bring a taste of Colombia to your table.

Last week, we asked: Which Latin American country is home to the world’s largest salt flat?

The correct answer is: The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

The Salar de Uyuni, located in southwest Bolivia, is the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 10,000 square kilometers. Formed from prehistoric lakes, this vast expanse of white salt creates a stunning, mirror-like effect during the rainy season, attracting photographers and tourists from around the globe. The salt flat is rich in lithium, containing one of the world's largest reserves of this valuable mineral used in batteries. Visitors can explore the area on guided tours, often staying in unique salt hotels constructed entirely from salt blocks. The Salar de Uyuni is not only a natural wonder but also a significant economic resource for Bolivia, contributing to both tourism and mining industries.

Question: What is the official language of Paraguay alongside Spanish?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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