The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #18 - Melissa Velazquez (Founder and CEO JustaBXMOM)

The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #22 - Scarlen Martinez (Deputy Director)

Scarlen Martinez is the Deputy Director of Fellow Learning and Development at the GreatOAks Foundation. In her role, she supports the learning and development of fellows across the GreatOaks network through targeted professional development. She is an author of diverse children's books, mother, and career educator committed to uplifting the voices and needs of underserved communities. She believes in having diverse representation in literature to promote reading in marginalized communities. Scarlen is also an education advocate and supports marginalized groups of people navigating the American education system by educating them on their rights and supporting them with obtaining free resources.

The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #21 - Victor M. Colon (Graphic Designer / Creative Director)

Creating the imaginary has always given him a thrill and allowed him to " vacation" into each of his client's fields of focus and learn new things as he polishes their brand. He does many creative projects from logo identity, billboard advertising, and animation. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from New Jersey City University. Besides freelancing, he is currently working as a graphic designer at Essex County College that challenges his creativity while allowing him to give back to his community. If you would like to connect with Victor, you can follow him on IG at https://www.instagram.com/designbyvictor/ [https://www.instagram.com/designbyvictor/]

The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #20 - Anacleto Bristol (Delegate /Representative)

Anacleto is a New York City native born and raised in Brooklyn. He majored in Biomedicine/Biology at The City College of New York and is a Transcriptionist at Northwell Health System at Plainview Hospital. He is currently working in the Emergency Department and a Representative of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. He loves traveling, foodie, and is single, looking for the future Mrs. Bristol. In this episode, he shared information on the Pre-College Enrichment Program at Columbia and for those interested you can find it here: https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/additional-educational-opportunities/summer-youth-programs/middle-high-school-students/state-pre-college-enrichment-program-s-prep?fbclid=IwAR0n67u-dv6eOMgaywLpn1dyavWyHOGsfr9FqV_uYE2fMjms6GlbMfrQGZw [https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/additional-educational-opportunities/summer-youth-programs/middle-high-school-students/state-pre-college-enrichment-program-s-prep?fbclid=IwAR0n67u-dv6eOMgaywLpn1dyavWyHOGsfr9FqV_uYE2fMjms6GlbMfrQGZw] If you would like to connect with Anacleto, you can follow him on IG at https://www.instagram.com/anacletobristol/ [https://www.instagram.com/anacletobristol/].

The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #19 - Evita Giron (writer, author & blogger)

Evita is a writer, blogger, and first-time author. She began writing short stories and poems when she was in junior high school. She is the founder of Curlyvita: Crowns Come in All Colors, a lifestyle blog in which you will find a celebration of life, motherhood, curly hair, diversity, beauty, and more! Check out her blog website: www.curlyvita.com [http://www.curlyvita.com] to find out more about Evita and her writing projects! In 2018 she published her first children’s book, The Girl With The Magical Curls, which was inspired by the Dove Love Your Curls campaign commercial and her own curly-haired daughter, Tatiana. The premise of her book is to encourage self-acceptance and self-love amongst little girls and women with curls. Before she started writing professionally she has over 10 years of professional experience working in the higher education sector. She received her Master’s degree from Fordham University in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care. Her favorite colors are pink, black, turquoise and lavender. She enjoys traveling, visiting museums, listening to music, taking nature walks, Zumba, spending time with friends/family, and spirituality. The Girl With The Magical Curls is also published in Spanish titled, La Niña con los Rizos Mágicos. Social Media Handles: Instagram: @iamevitagiron Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorevita [http://www.facebook.com/authorevita] Website: www.curlyvita.com [http://www.curlyvita.com] Book: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Magical-Curls-Evita-Giron/dp/1729662625 [https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Magical-Curls-Evita-Giron/dp/1729662625] Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ni%C3%B1a-los-rizos-m%C3%A1gicos-Spanish/dp/B08LNBH4YY/ref [https://www.amazon.com/ni%C3%B1a-los-rizos-m%C3%A1gicos-Spanish/dp/B08LNBH4YY/ref]=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-with-the-magical-curls-evita-giron/1129885354 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-with-the-magical-curls-evita-giron/1129885354]

The Inspiration Hour with Luz Ep #18 - Melissa Velazquez (Founder and CEO JustaBXMOM)

Melissa worked in youth development for about ten years before switching gears to marketing and promotions when turning thirty. Once she became a solo mom she wanted to find a way to bring her career knowledge home. Blogging was a perfect fit that allowed her to merge careers and motherhood. JustaBXmom was born from that merge in the fall of 2015. JustaBXmom has become a resource for all parents. Currently she is supporting families as a parenting and homeschool coach. Melissa is a Bronx-born resident that is excited to see and be part of The Bronx Is Blooming era in history.