comprende 042: Camila Straschnoy Redefines Latino Branding, Fonsi’s Big Screen Debut, 25 Years of Latin Grammys

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 42nd edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we highlight Camila Straschnoy, a branding innovator whose work bridges culture and strategy, empowering Latino stories to shine globally while authentically connecting brands to our community.

• Next, we celebrate Luis Fonsi’s big-screen debut in Say a Little Prayer, a heartwarming indie rom-com that marks a new chapter for the Latin music superstar while showcasing the richness of Latino storytelling.

• Finally, we look back on the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, a milestone celebration of 25 years honoring the best in Latin music, featuring unforgettable performances and groundbreaking wins from icons like Juan Luis Guerra and Nathy Peluso.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Camila Straschnoy: Transforming Latino Brand Representation Through Creative Storytelling & Cultural Authenticity

Camila Straschnoy is on a mission to authentically and meaningfully bridge brands with the people they serve. A strategist, brand consultant, and speaker, Camila is reshaping how companies connect with the U.S. Latino/Hispanic community. Her work is as much about strategy as it is about storytelling, driven by a belief in the power of culture to build lasting connections. “What drives me,” she says, “is ensuring that people feel truly seen by the brands they love.”

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Camila credits her roots for the creativity and resilience that fuel her career. She explained that when you grow up in a place where change is constant, you learn to be resourceful, adapt, and think outside the box. The cultural richness of Buenos Aires—its tango, fútbol, and nostalgia—shaped her deeply, but so did its challenges.

Her career didn’t start with a clear roadmap. “I didn’t know what to do, but I kept moving,” she recalls of her early days in fashion and editorial. While writing for Vogue Latin America and InStyle opened doors, Camila’s true passion lay at the crossroads of culture, creativity, and strategy. A pivotal moment came in Barcelona, where a Master’s in Trend Forecasting transformed her approach, fueling her knack for connecting insights to impactful branding.

Her background and experiences uniquely positioned Camila to build and launch Mate House, a trend-driven agency focused on Latin American fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. From consulting for emerging designers to collaborating with global powerhouses like Bottega Veneta, Camila honed her ability to craft strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

Later on, in 2022, she launched INQUIRE Studio to focus on future thinking, equipping individuals for inclusive futures and offering strategic insights to businesses. Since then, INQUIRE Studio has worked with organizations such as C&A Brazil, Camara de Comercio de Bogotá, ProColombia, Inexmoda, and the Miami Design District.

Today, as Partner and Senior Strategy Director at Untold U.S., Camila tackles a persistent problem: brands treating U.S. Hispanics as a monolith. “We’re not just one group,” she insists. “Our stories are rich and varied.”

By tapping into Untold’s vast network of over 500+ team members across Latin America and the U.S., she ensures campaigns are rooted in cultural authenticity rather than stereotypes. Her work transforms brands' approaches, helping them build genuine connections that resonate deeply and reflect the community’s richness beyond performative gestures. Untold is also building a cutting-edge digital hub, leveraging proprietary trend tracking and innovative team structures to create strategies that earn relevance through creativity, not ad spend.

With Camila Straschnoy at the helm of Untold’s U.S. expansion, brands have the chance to collaborate with a leader and company who intimately understand the rich diversity of the U.S. Latino consumer. Camila’s mission is clear: Creativity isn’t just about ads; it’s about “earning a place in consumers lives.” That’s where real connections happen.

If you’re looking to launch campaigns that don’t just speak to audiences but resonate with their stories and identities, consider reaching out to Camila on LinkedIn:

Say a Little Prayer: Luis Fonsi’s Film Debut Hits Theaters Next Week

Say a Little Prayer, a heartfelt romantic comedy starring Latin music superstar Luis Fonsi, debuts in theaters starting Friday, November 22. Directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri and written by Nancy De Los Santos, the film tells the story of three friends who recite an ancient prayer in their search for true love, leading to hilarious and heartwarming twists. Fonsi, in his acting debut, also contributed original music and serves as a producer, making this project a celebration of his multifaceted talent.

This film is a groundbreaking moment for Latino representation in cinema, featuring a vibrant cast that includes Vanessa Vásquez, Jackie Cruz, and Vivian Lamolli. Produced by New Cadence Productions, led by Jeff Valdez and investor Sol Trujillo, alongside Migrant Filmworks, the film is a shining example of how Latino-driven projects are making waves in Hollywood. Valdez, a champion of bringing authentic Latino stories to the forefront, emphasized the importance of films that reflect the diverse realities of 21st-century America.

As Latinos, it’s crucial to support projects like this to show the demand for our stories in mainstream media. By turning out for films that highlight our voices, we open doors for future projects that celebrate our culture. Bring your friends and family and experience a movie that blends laughter, love, and cultural pride. Let’s make this moment count and show the world the strength of Latino storytelling.

Find out where the film is showing near you below.

25 Years of Excellence: Highlights from the Latin Grammys & The Impact of our Music

The 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards delivered a night of stunning performances, groundbreaking wins, and heartfelt tributes, celebrating a quarter-century of honoring the best in Latin music. Hosted at the Kaseya Center in Miami, the ceremony highlighted the incredible diversity and global influence of Latin music, now the fastest-growing genre in the U.S.

Dominican legend Juan Luis Guerra took home Album of the Year for Radio Güira and delivered a show-stopping performance of “Mambo 23,” also named Record of the Year. Colombian star Carlos Vives was honored as the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year, celebrating his 30-year career with an electrifying medley of hits alongside fellow Colombian artists.

Rising as the most awarded female artist of the night, Nathy Peluso earned three trophies, including Best Alternative Song for “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud” and Best Long-Form Music Video for Grasa.

Karol G added to the celebration, winning Best Urban Music Album for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), while newcomer Edgar Barrera dominated with three awards, including Producer of the Year.

The Latin Grammys are more than just awards—they're a testament to the vibrancy, innovation, and cultural pride of the Latino community, showcasing a legacy that continues to inspire the world.

Check out a full coverage story here: Latin Grammy Awards 2024: Winners include Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Vives and Karol G

How Oonee raised over $100,000 on Republic, Hispanics in Philanthropy’s 2024 Latinx Startup Hub Tour, plus upcoming opportunities.

Breaking Down a Crowfunding Deal: How Oonee raised over $100,000 on Republic

Earlier this year, Oonee, a startup focused on bike infrastructure, raised nearly $150,000 from 225 community investors in their second crowdfunding campaign on Republic.

Oonee was founded by Shabazz Stuart and Manuel Mansylla after Oonee’s CEO, Shabazz, experienced three bike thefts over the span of five years. Recognizing that secure bike parking is a persistent issue not only for themselves, but for the majority of city dwellers, Shabazz and Manuel set out to create smart infrastructure that integrates safe parking and charging for cyclists. Their modular stations are secure, weather-protected, and easy to install, addressing critical gaps in micromobility infrastructure. Oonee’s product lineup includes five different designs, from compact bike docks to large bike pods, each tailored to various environments and needs.

Since their previous raise in 2021, Oonee has shared significant milestones with its potential investor community on Republic, along with its vision for future growth:

• Diversified Revenue Streams and Favorable Unit Economics: Oonee stations generate between $60,000 and $400,000 annually through digital advertising and sponsorships, reaching break even within 12 months. Revenue sources include outdoor advertising, brand sponsorships, and hardware-as-a-service offerings.

• Community Buy-In and Partnerships: Oonee has secured contracts with major partners, including the Port Authority of NY & NJ, Jersey City, and the MTA. Monthly user growth has been steady, with a 30% increase each month.

• Relevant Founder Background: Both founders bring extensive experience in urban planning and design. Shabazz previously worked with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, while Manuel contributed as an architect for a pedestrian plaza in DUMBO.

Many community investors left reviews on why they chose to invest in Oonee, with one investor sharing their thoughts on what made Oonee unique. “Bike stations already exist but not like Oonee - the stations are superior in quality, in great locations, and due to that can generate good revenue. Once the concept is proven it would have good sticking power to stay in the same place and could stay for a long time.”

Hispanics in Philanthropy hosts a 2024 Latinx Startup Tour 

Since May of this year, Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) has been partnering with local entrepreneurial organizations in emerging Latinx startup cities to host events that celebrate and bring the Latinx startup ecosystem together.

Each tour stop features networking opportunities, speaker events, and a live pitch competition. As of date, they’ve toured five cities including Boston, Chicago, San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Miami. Their last stop will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico and will be in collaboration with a local organization, Parallel 18, at their 18th Dimension Fest. 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• Aurora Tech Award | Apply by November 21

  • For women founders, $85k prize

• Verizon & Super Bowl LIX Grant | Apply by November 22

  • For small business owners, $25k grant

• Visible Hands x NYCEDC VHNYC Fellowship | Apply by December 6

  • For overlooked founders in NYC, $10k grant

• FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program | Apply by December 13

  • For small business owners, 12 week accelerator

• Prose x Black Unicorn Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant | Apply by December 25

  • For emerging founders, $10k grant

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

FOUNDERS:

If you’re a founder who wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, be featured in our newsletter or marketplace, or inquire about our creative and strategy agency services, please fill out this form:

How to Make: The Cuban Mojito 

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Havana with a refreshing and classic Cuban Mojito. This iconic cocktail, known for its perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and minty freshness, is a staple of Cuban culture and an ideal drink to sip any day.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves (plus a sprig for garnish)

• 2 teaspoons sugar (or simple syrup, to taste)

• 1/2 lime, cut into 3-4 wedges

• 2 ounces white rum (e.g., Havana Club or Bacardí)

• Soda water (club soda or sparkling water)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Mint and Lime: In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves, sugar, and lime wedges. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently mash the ingredients, releasing the mint oils and lime juice. Be careful not to shred the mint.

2. Add the Rum: Pour in the white rum and stir gently to combine the flavors.

3. Fill with Ice: Add ice cubes to the glass until it’s about 3/4 full.

4. Top with Soda Water: Fill the glass with soda water and stir lightly to integrate the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and an optional lime wheel. Serve with a straw or stir stick.

Raise your glass and toast to a timeless classic that’s more than just a drink—it’s a slice of Cuban life! With its fresh, zesty flavors and cooling mint, this Mojito will have you dreaming of sunny beaches and lively music. ¡Salud!

Last week, we asked: Who was the first Latino astronaut in NASA?

The right answer was: Franklin Chang-Díaz

Franklin Chang-Díaz, a Costa Rican-American physicist and engineer, made history as the first Latino astronaut in NASA when he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1986. Over his remarkable career, he completed seven space missions, tying the record for the most spaceflights by an astronaut. Chang-Díaz’s contributions extend beyond his time in space; he is a leading innovator in plasma propulsion technology and the founder of Ad Astra Rocket Company, working to advance space exploration. His groundbreaking achievements have made him a trailblazer for Latinos in science, technology, and beyond, inspiring countless others to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Question:  Who was the first Latino to win an Academy Award for acting?

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

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