Minority Majority 015: Steven Wolfe Pereira's Journey, Becoming The Most Followed Visual Artist, & Latina Representation in Toys

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Welcome to this week's edition of Minority Majority, where we shine a light on Steven Wolfe Pereira's journey across multiple industries, delve into Devon Rodriguez's captivating journey from subway sketch artist to TikTok sensation, and discuss the vital importance of Latina representation in toys. Oh, and you don’t want to miss our Pupusa recipe to try out this weekend!

So, grab your afternoon cafecito and dive in! ☕️

BUSINESS
Innovation and Identity: The Inspiring Path of Steven Wolfe Pereira

From finance to marketing to EdTech to the world’s largest Latino media company, Steven Wolfe Pereira's story is not just a narrative of personal success; it's a chronicle of cultural pride, resilience, and transformative leadership.

Raised in New York by Dominican parents, Pereira was instilled with the importance of education and cultural identity from a young age. He pursued his education with vigor, earning a B.A. from Tufts University, securing a Fulbright Scholarship, and completing an executive MBA at MIT's Sloan School of Management

Pereira's professional life started in finance at top firms like The Blackstone Group and Salomon Smith Barney (Citi), laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. His early career in finance gave him a strong analytical and strategic base, which he would later apply in other industries.

Transitioning from finance, Pereira held executive roles in marketing and technology at companies such as Datalogix, Neustar, and Quantcast. His work in these sectors was characterized by a focus on data-driven strategies and digital innovation, earning him recognition as a key figure in marketing and technology.

However, it was the founding of Encantos that marked a pivotal moment in Pereira's journey. As co-founder and CEO of this global creator platform, Pereira sought to address the educational and representational gaps he observed in children's media. Encantos emerged as an award-winning public benefit corporation, revolutionizing the way children learn by connecting them with "storyteachers" from around the world.

Through Encantos, Pereira leveraged technology to democratize education, ensuring that children everywhere could see themselves reflected in the stories they learned from and were inspired by the diverse world around them.

Today, as the Chief Client Officer for TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. Advertising Sales, Pereira's journey has come full circle. In this role, he champions the untapped potential of the Hispanic consumer market, guiding advertisers to see the value in a demographic that reflects his roots.

His work at TelevisaUnivision is a continuation of his lifelong mission to uplift and represent Latino voices and stories in mainstream media and beyond.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pereira's advocacy for diversity, education, and STEAM initiatives underscores his commitment to making a difference. Serving on the boards of Encantos, the Latino Community Foundation, and Whalar, as well as contributing to Save the Children and Head Start, Pereira uses his platform to champion the causes close to his heart.

Pereira's story is a powerful reminder of the profound influence that dedication, vision, and a commitment to one's roots can have on the world.

CULTURA
From Graffiti to Social Media Stardom to Gallery: The Evolution of Artist Devon Rodriguez

Have you encountered the artist on TikTok who captivates millions with his sketches of unsuspecting subway passengers? Meet Devon Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican/Honduran artist from the South Bronx, New York City, who has made a significant mark on the art world with his realistic portraits, especially of New York City Subway commuters.

Rodriguez's journey into the art world began with graffiti at the age of 8, shifting to drawing portraits after an arrest at 13. Despite an initial setback in not being accepted into the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, Rodriguez's persistence paid off when he was admitted two years later, graduating in 2014, and furthering his education at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Rodriguez's talent caught the eye of sculptor John Ahearn during a high school portrait exhibit, leading to Rodriguez being the subject of Ahearn's sculpted portrait, "The Rodriguez Twins."

This work was a finalist in the prestigious Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., in 2016. Rodriguez's portrait of Ahearn would also become a finalist in the same competition three years later.

Gaining wider recognition, Rodriguez's works have been featured in notable publications such as The New Yorker, The Artist's Magazine, and The New York Times Style Magazine. His leap into digital fame came in 2020 when he joined TikTok, quickly becoming the most followed visual artist on the platform for his engaging videos of quick-sketching strangers and their reactions.

@devonrodriguezart

Just drew this Australian girl from Miami 🦘 @Robbi Jan

In 2023, Rodriguez showcased his work in a solo pop-up show titled "Underground" at the UTA Artist Space, hosted by his talent agency, United Talent's Agency.

This event marked a significant milestone in Rodriguez's career, bringing his art from the subway cars of New York to a broader audience, celebrating his unique blend of traditional skill and modern social media savvy.

As of today, Rodriguez has over 60.5 Million Followers across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook! He’s also evolved his content series to include sit-down conversations with both strangers and celebrities alike as he paints or sketches their portraits.

@devonrodriguezart

Don't miss the premiere of #AgentStateFarm #ad during the Big Game 🏈@Arnold @Jake from State Farm

Beyond his artwork, he also recently launched a clothing brand called “KEEP SMILING” to ”keep the positivity train moving, and accumulatively help spread smiles around the world.”

Rodriguez's journey from the streets of the South Bronx to digital fame underscores his remarkable talent and the universal appeal of his artistry.

IMPACTO
The Crucial Role of Latina Representation in Toys

The toys children play with and the media they consume play a significant role in shaping their perceptions of self and society. This makes the representation of diverse cultures, especially Latina representation, vital in fostering a positive self-image and cultural awareness from a young age.

Historically, mainstream media and the toy industry have overlooked the importance of accurately representing young Latina girls, often relegating Latina characters to the sidelines or rendering them mere afterthoughts.

The impact of such underrepresentation is profound, echoing the findings of the 1940s "doll tests" by psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark, which demonstrated how lack of representation can negatively affect self-esteem and perceptions of identity among children of color.

Toy giants like Mattel and American Girl have attempted to address diversity, but their efforts often fell short. For example, Mattel introduced three versions of Barbie in 1980—white, Black, and Hispanic—yet these dolls were criticized for their lack of distinguishing features beyond skin color.

Teresa, introduced as Barbie's "best friend" in 1988, was supposed to represent Latina identity but her cultural background was ambiguous and inconsistently portrayed over the years. It wasn't until 1999 that her last name, Rivera, was revealed, offering a nod to her Latina heritage.

Similarly, American Girl dolls, despite their range of cultural backgrounds, have been critiqued for their high price points, making them inaccessible to the very communities they aim to represent. While culturally diverse, these dolls often remain out of reach for average American families, limiting their impact on fostering representation and understanding.

The issue extends beyond mere inclusion. Latina dolls like Barbie Teresa often occupy secondary roles, reinforcing that Latina characters are perpetual sidekicks rather than protagonists. This pattern of representation does a disservice to Latina girls seeking role models in their toys and media.

Progress is being made, as seen with Purpose Toys' Latinistas doll line, which celebrates Latine culture with a range of characteristics reflective of the community's diversity. However, challenges remain in accurately depicting the full spectrum of Latina experiences, including body diversity and cultural nuances.

For Latina representation in toys to be meaningful, it must go beyond tokenism to encompass the rich variety of Latina identities and experiences. Toys should not only reflect the diversity of the real world but also empower Latina children to see themselves as valuable and capable individuals.

As the industry moves forward, the goal should be to ensure that all children can find dolls that resonate with their lives and aspirations, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural heritage.

Read the full story here: Why is Latina Representation in Toys So Important?

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Salvadoran Pupusas

Pupusas, the national dish of El Salvador, are delightful corn tortillas stuffed with a savory filling, typically cheese, beans, or pork. Here's a simple recipe to make these delicious treats at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (adjust as needed)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup shredded quesillo or mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup refried beans (optional)

• 1 cup cooked and finely shredded pork (chicharrón) (optional)

• Vegetable oil, for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water, kneading until the dough is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add more water; if too sticky, add a bit more masa harina. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Choose your filling: shredded cheese, refried beans, or shredded pork. You can also mix cheese with either beans or pork for a combination filling.

3. Form the Pupusas:

   • Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions, rolling them into balls.

   • Flatten each ball into a thick disc between your hands. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of the disc.

   • Carefully fold the dough around the filling, sealing it inside, then gently flatten it into a round tortilla shape about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Cook the Pupusas:

   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush with vegetable oil.

   • Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. They should be crispy on the outside.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot, accompanied by curtido (Salvadoran cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa for an authentic experience.

Enjoy your homemade Salvadoran pupusas, a simple yet delicious meal that brings a taste of El Salvador right to your kitchen!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: What unique feature does Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula have that makes it famous worldwide?

The correct answer is: It’s one of the five Blue Zones!

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is renowned as one of the world's five Blue Zones, areas where people live significantly longer lives. This region's inhabitants boast some of the highest rates of centenarians globally, often living well into their 100s with remarkable health and vitality.

Researchers attribute this longevity to a combination of a strong sense of community, a diet rich in local fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and a physically active lifestyle that naturally integrates walking and gardening into daily routines.

The Nicoya Peninsula's environment, characterized by its clean air, water, and laid-back lifestyle, also plays a crucial role in the longevity of its residents. This Blue Zone serves as a living laboratory, offering invaluable insights into the secrets of a long and healthy life.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Paraguay is one of the world's largest exporters of which renewable resource?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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