"Social"

by Robert Rios III

Last week was a momentous occasion for Being Latino, we held our first ever “Social” Networking Event, hosted by Heineken. What started as a way to get all of our most loyal, influential and progressively minded friends, fans, contributors and sponsors together in one room, became much much more by the end of the evening. It’s taken me a week just to recuperate and be able to fully grasp and formulate into words just what happened, and how it has changed so many lives forever.

First, I have a few thank yous to address as this event could not have happened without the following people:

Lance Rios, you have done what few have had the courage to do, and for that, we all owe you a great deal of gratitude for giving us a much needed direction in life.

Libby Julia Vazquez, Tatiana Perez, and Xeno Martinez, you are the backbone of BL and truly help the rest of us shine as bright as the sun in our logo.

Cesar Vargas, through it all we are happiest most that you will continue on as our videographer and can’t wait to see the footage from the night of festivities.

Our volunteers, DJ NellyNel, Jose Roldan Jr, Arlene Olivencia, Eileen Rivera, Lisa “La Boricua Goddess,” Bethanie Cabral, and AJ Martinez, I’d have been way more loco that night had it not been for you guys holding it down for me. YOU ROCK!

Andy Checo, thank you for bringing us together with Heineken, and for all the assistance with the preparations. We look forward to collaborating again on other projects soon.

Edwin Reyes, thanks for keeping an eye on all of us with the camera lens.

Our gracious sponsors Thalia Restauarant, Patzeria Perfect Pizza, Azcona Floral Designs, Refugio Cigar House, Coqui Mexicano, Shaliel Beauty Salon, and The Bago Bunch, made the night unforgettable with great food, raffle prizes and special guests.

Jeimmy Martinez, you helped us put a pretty little green bow on the event in the clutch and we thank you for everything, and can’t wait for the next one!

Now, what we accomplished was not just another mixer with people handing out business cards. No, what we managed to establish was a much needed platform of “Social” awareness, amongst the next generation of Latino trend setters, decision makers, community contributors, and artist communities. We are in a unique position to bring to light the change that our people are calling for. We are proof that together, we can break the shackles and stigmas set upon us by the old world, and prove our power in this new digital era.

The key word though is, together… We simply cannot do this divided, and won’t see the results in our lifetime if we don’t set the precedent for our youth today. We can make a difference; we are making a difference – there are so many new organizations popping up because the people are seeing that regular folks just like you and me are donating their own time, money, blood sweat and tears to lead by example for the greater good. No matter what organization you represent, it’s the message that matters, which can and will get lost if we cannot back up what we are supposed to be standing for.

Overall, I can’t express how much joy my heart feels knowing that I played a part in making this unity come to fruition. Thank you all for memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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Events Director, Robert Rios III

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.

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