Minority Majority 016: Shaping Latina Sports Culture, Residente's New Album, & Ocean Advocacy

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Welcome to this week's edition of Minority Majority, where we spotlight the groundbreaking initiative Drafted, transforming the sports industry for Latinas, immerse ourselves in the poignant sounds of Residente's latest album "Las Letras Ya No Importan," and dive deep into the ocean conservation efforts led by Daniela V. Fernandez with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

So, grab your afternoon cafecito and dive in! ☕️

BUSINESS
DRAFTED: Shaping the Future of Latina Sports Culture

In the vast and varied world of sports, a new platform, DRAFTED, has emerged, uniquely centered on the Latina experience. Behind this innovative venture are Karina Martinez and Jennifer Yepez-Blundell, whose diverse backgrounds and shared passion for sports have driven them to fill a significant gap in the sports industry.

Meet the Co-Founders: Karina, born in Paraguay, adopted by Cuban immigrants, and raised in Southern California, and Jennifer, a second-generation Mexican-American and former Division II softball player, both faced the challenges of navigating spaces where they felt underrepresented.

Their paths crossed during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when digital communities became lifelines. Their bond over a shared ambition to reshape the narrative around women and Latina sports enthusiasts took root during this period.

Drafted was born from a desire to create a space that acknowledged and celebrated the rich tapestry of Latina sports culture. It wasn't just about providing a platform for fans and athletes; it was about challenging and changing the industry's approach to inclusion and representation. Their mission was clear: to build a community where Latinas could fully express their passion for sports, free from the constraints of traditional narratives.

The platform's approach is multifaceted, blending sports marketing with social impact to create a vibrant ecosystem where Latina athletes, fans, and brands can connect and thrive. Through strategic partnerships and dynamic collaborations, DRAFTED aims to amplify the influence and voices of Latinas in sports, recognizing their role as a potent economic and social force.

The inception of DRAFTED is a testament to Karina and Jennifer's determination to confront and overcome the barriers they encountered in the sports industry. Despite facing skepticism and underestimation, their lived experiences as athletes, fans, and professionals fueled their commitment to this cause. They saw firsthand the lack of platforms representing Latina sports fans' interests and set out to change that.

The journey of DRAFTED reflects a broader narrative of empowerment and visibility. It's a story about reclaiming space in an arena that has historically overlooked the contributions and interests of Latinas. By focusing on the English-dominant U.S. Latina community, DRAFTED addresses a crucial need for in-culture experiences that resonate with a diverse and multifaceted audience.

As DRAFTED continues to grow, its impact extends beyond the confines of sports. It challenges longstanding narratives, offering new perspectives on what it means to be a fan, an athlete, and a leader. Karina and Jennifer's vision for the future is one where Latinas are not only visible but celebrated as integral members of the sports community.

DRAFTED’s story is more than a tale of business innovation; it's a cultural movement, driven by the belief that representation matters. Through their platform, Karina and Jennifer are not just creating opportunities for Latinas in sports; they're inspiring a new generation to see themselves as worthy of being drafted into any arena they choose.

CULTURA
Las Letras Ya No Importan: A Testament to Residente's Fusion of Politics, Passion, & Poetry

On February 22, 2024, Residente, the Puerto Rican artist and former frontman of Calle 13, unveiled his latest masterpiece, “Las Letras Ya No Importan” ("The Lyrics Don't Matter Anymore"). This album, a culmination of seven years of musical exploration, features a diverse lineup of artists, including hip-hop legends and reggaeton pioneers, and delves into political themes, personal struggles, and the rich tapestry of human emotion.

Residente, born René Pérez Joglar in February 1978 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was raised in a middle-class household steeped in art, politics, and the struggle for Puerto Rican independence. His mother, an actress, and his father, a labor lawyer and musician, instilled in him a profound sense of social justice and a passion for creative expression. This upbringing, amidst a family of eight siblings, laid the groundwork for his revolutionary music career.

Choosing the arts over baseball, Residente pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in San Juan before completing his Masters in Fine Arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design. It was after college that he, along with his stepbrother Eduardo José Cabra, formed Calle 13, catapulting to fame with a unique blend of reggaeton that carried a sharp political edge and social critique.

With Calle 13, Residente became a voice for the voiceless, using his platform to challenge societal norms and political corruption, earning the group widespread acclaim and a record-breaking number of 22 Latin Grammy Awards. Yet, it was his commitment to authenticity and the desire to connect on a human level that truly defined his artistry.

After Calle 13 disbanded, Residente embarked on a solo journey, inspired by a DNA test revealing his global ancestry. This exploration led to collaborations worldwide, deepening his music's cultural and political resonance. His work has consistently been a fusion of activism and art, earning him recognition for his humanitarian efforts and his contributions to Latin American identity and freedom.

“Las Letras Ya No Importan” is more than an album; it's a reflection of Residente's evolution as an artist and an individual. Through tracks like “This is Not America” and collaborations with artists across genres, Residente continues to push boundaries, blending sounds from Palestine to Puerto Rico, and exploring themes of conflict, memory, and resilience. Residente integrates Palestinian melodies to shed light on current events, using music as a platform to foster understanding and solidarity across diverse cultures and political landscapes.

Residente's personal story — from a young boy in Puerto Rico to a global music icon and activist — mirrors the narratives within his music: complex, layered, and unapologetically real. His latest album not only showcases his musical versatility but also reaffirms his commitment to crafting art that speaks to the soul, challenges the status quo, and bridges cultures. In “Las Letras Ya No Importan,” Residente invites us once again to listen, reflect, and connect, proving that when it comes to music with purpose, the lyrics will always matter.

IMPACTO
Turning the Tide: How Daniela V. Fernandez Is Revolutionizing Ocean Advocacy

Daniela V. Fernandez's journey to becoming a pioneering social entrepreneur in ocean conservation is as profound as the waters she seeks to protect.

Born into an Ecuadorian immigrant family, Fernandez moved to the U.S. at the age of seven, growing up in a single-mother household. Her path, marked by the distinction of being the first in her family to attend college, led her to Georgetown University, where she initially founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) in her college dorm.

This initiative has since burgeoned into a global force for the ocean's sustainability, creating the world's largest network of young Ocean Leaders in over 186 countries and launching the pioneering Ocean Solutions Accelerator.

The inception of SOA was fueled by Fernandez's realization of the ocean's fragility in the face of climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Her ambition extended beyond raising awareness; she sought to empower her generation to enact tangible change.

After graduation, she ventured to Silicon Valley, expanding SOA to provide startups focused on ocean solutions with essential mentorship, funding, and connections. This endeavor supports a range of projects, from drones collecting climate data to initiatives aimed at coral reef restoration.

Fernandez's remarkable contributions have garnered recognition from global leaders and earned her prestigious accolades, including being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. Her work exemplifies the intersection of innovation and advocacy, championing the blue economy's potential — the concept that businesses dedicated to preserving our oceans can also be financially sustainable.

Central to SOA's mission is the Ocean Solutions Accelerator, which has helped over 56 ocean-tech startups secure $225 million in funding. SOA's unique approach focuses on impact measurement, scientific advisory, and policy engagement, redefining how startups address the nexus of technology and environmental sustainability.

Daniela V. Fernandez's narrative is more than a success story; it's a beacon for immigrant perseverance, educational achievement, and environmental stewardship. Through SOA, she not only envisions a future of ocean conservation but actively constructs it, demonstrating how passion, innovation, and collaborative effort can effectuate significant environmental change. Her legacy is a clarion call to the next generation, inspiring them to safeguard our planet's oceans with the same courage and determination she embodies.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Costa Rican Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto is a beloved Costa Rican dish, celebrated for its simple ingredients and rich flavors. While it’s mainly known as a breakfast meal in Costa Rica, it can be great for any meal of the day, here's how you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably left overnight)

• 2 cups cooked black beans with some of their broth

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)

• Worcestershire sauce or Salsa Lizano (to taste) - Salsa Lizano is traditional, but Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Ensure your rice and beans are cooked. Finely chop the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked black beans along with a little bit of their broth (about ¼ cup), cumin, and coriander. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Season with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or Salsa Lizano to taste.

4. Add the Rice: Incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet, gently folding it with the bean and vegetable mixture until evenly mixed. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and has absorbed the flavors, about 5 minutes.

5. Finish with Cilantro: Once everything is well combined and heated through, stir in the chopped cilantro. Give it a final taste test, adjusting salt or Worcestershire sauce/Salsa Lizano as needed.

6. Serve: Gallo Pinto is traditionally served with fried or scrambled eggs, fried plantains, avocado slices, or a slice of queso fresco on the side. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful vegetarian dish.

Tips:

• For an authentic touch, try to find Salsa Lizano in Latin American grocery stores or online. It gives Gallo Pinto its distinctive flavor.

• Using rice that has been cooked and cooled (ideally left overnight in the fridge) will help prevent the dish from becoming mushy.

Enjoy your homemade Gallo Pinto, a taste of Costa Rican pura vida!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: Paraguay is one of the world's largest exporters of which renewable resource?

The correct answer is: Hydroelectric Power

Paraguay is one of the world's largest exporters of hydroelectric power. The country is home to the Itaipu Dam, which is one of the largest operational hydroelectric energy producers in the world.

This dam is a binational enterprise run by Paraguay and Brazil, and it harnesses the power of the Paraná River, the second longest river in South America. The significant energy generated by the Itaipu Dam not only meets domestic demands but also allows Paraguay to export a substantial amount of electricity.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Which Venezuelan baseball player, a former Seattle Mariners pitcher, has thrown a perfect game in Major League Baseball?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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