tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77289576935201450452024-03-13T11:29:37.706-04:00Ashley Cisneros2/28/2012: Please visit Ashley's new blog at:
http://www.ashleycisneros.com/category/blog
Thank you!Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-57633310129759060432012-02-28T13:58:00.001-05:002015-01-21T10:02:08.294-05:00Moving to a New BlogHi, friends,<br />
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I'm moving to a new blog at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ashleycisneros.com/category/blog">http://www.ashleycisneros.com/category/blog</a> </div>
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You can also learn about the digital marketing company I started with Shalyn Dever:<br />
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Chatter Buzz Media<br />
<a href="http://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com/">http://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com</a><br />
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Many thanks,</div>
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Ashley</div>
Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-73914833581025814402012-02-08T11:22:00.004-05:002012-02-08T11:23:39.234-05:00Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc. Blog Post<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Check out my post on the </span><span ><span style="cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://www.jacentralfl.org/education-entrepreneurship-empowerment">Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc.</a></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> blog about the new Junior Achievement Academy for Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Oak Ridge High School!</span>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-56776862275724416882012-01-17T18:30:00.008-05:002012-01-17T18:45:44.043-05:00Need a speaker? Meet my mentor, Rod!<div><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>A few weeks ago I was begging everyone I know to vote for me for the Unity Journalists' New U business pitch competition. If you voted or helped spread the word, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! </div><div><br /></div><div>I won the online vote, and am waiting to find out my score from a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs. Their score counts as 2/3 of my total score ... if I win, I get $10k in seed money for my writing company.</div><div><br /></div><div>The program I participated in was wonderful in every way. During the program, each contestant was matched with a mentor.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosXXLvbXwqDaJx8-vg-PYPb3NYbsqK_EH1PinelvTD_8wQBxbFUj8U3c4uUVb0xRSQTaIhNFOMuNboPrsm_5No83H3PMeANfWlohCJqXYqNLuLEfJDH-LW_GMj-AUnmROQjssd6_aDJrc/s320/rodcolon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698749394025920642" /></div><div>My mentor was AMAZING! His name is Rod Colon, and he's a master networker, executive/career coach, author and radio show host. Based in New Jersey, he worked for JP Morgan on Wall Street for many years as an executive recruiter before launching his own company in 1997. He has traveled all over the world helping students and professionals navigate their career.</div><div><br /></div><div>I consider myself very fortunate to have had an opportunity to attend college and benefit from all of the resources available -- including lectures and programs on campus, my school's career resource center, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following a magazine layoff in 2008, I became a career advice junkie and still follow a ton of career blogs to this day to try to stay proactive in my professional growth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even with all of these opportunities, I can tell you that I have learned SO MUCH from Rod since I met him in October. Even with all of the resources available to me, there was/still is so much I never knew about networking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rod has changed my life. Every Tuesday, we have a standard mentorship call in which we discuss business/career strategies, opportunities, etc. I'm really grateful to have met him,</div><div>and I feel the need to pay it forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a young woman, I wasn't always comfortable negotiating salaries, tooting my own horn, or taking credit for my work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rod has taught me so much in such a short time. I'm talking insider secrets from his experience on Wall Street -- a world that someone like me, the granddaughter of Mexican migrant farm workers, would never have access to.</div><div><br /></div><div>If your school, company, organization, church, etc. needs a dynamic speaker to empower you ... Rod is your guy. And no, I'm not getting paid to say this or paid for speaking engagements he acquires. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm saying this because he's that good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm saying this because I believe his message is too good ... too essential ... to keep to myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm saying this because I know that you WILL benefit from hearing him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Want to meet him? Here's his contact info:</div><div><br /></div><div>Rod Colón</div><div>Master Networker, Professional Development, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author</div><div>Weekly Co-Host of Radio Show "YOUR CAREER IS CALLING"</div><div>732-367-5580</div><div><a href="http://www.rodcolon.com/">www.RodColon.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I just finished reading a great book on networking that Rod suggested to me. It's called Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, and I highly recommend it!</div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-41730316820757450542011-12-12T23:41:00.003-05:002011-12-12T23:45:54.285-05:00Want to help create jobs? Help my start-up!<p><span><span style="line-height:19px"><b><span>Entrepreneurship is the way to economic recovery. <a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fs458wgvwxxvar/start" target="_blank">Help a start-up hire talent!</a></span></b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px">You could help me win $10,000 in seed money for my start-up, Ashley Cisneros, Inc., which will help me hire talent and launch an aggressive marketing campaign to take the company to the next level. I specifically seek to hire displaced journalists, and help them develop the entrepreneurial skills needed to profit from their gifts.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px">I was selected as one of 14 Fellows in the <a href="http://unityjournalists.org/newu/newu2011/newu11videos/welcome/" target="_blank">Unity NewU initiative</a>, a program for news entrepreneurs of color, generously supported by the Ford Foundation. With your help, I can hire, and even create much-needed jobs!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px"><a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fs458wgvwxxvar/start" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR ME</b></a></span></span></p><br /><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px">You can vote for me <b><i>as many times</i></b> as you wish through midnight on <b>Jan. 3, 2012</b>. You just have keep going to this site and clicking the <a href="http://unityjournalists.org/newu/newu2011/newu11videos/nahj-video-pitches/" target="_blank">Vote Now! link at the bottom</a>. </span></span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:12px;line-height:19px">Please share this info with your colleagues, friends and family, and anyone who may be interested in supporting entrepreneurship! Thanks a million!</span></p><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rVb35pbbeqE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; ">About Ashley Cisneros, Inc.</b><br /><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:12px;line-height:19px">Ashley Cisneros, Inc. is based upon the belief that each person has a story to tell, and talents to share – and profit from. You can have the best credentials, most innovative product or service, or groundbreaking news, but if no one knows about it, there’s little value. Words do more than communicate, words can really change lives.</span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px">Ashley Cisneros, Inc. helps individuals and companies leverage the selling power of words. The firm achieves this by delivering communication products such as advertorials, articles, speeches, annual reports, sales letters and more. These products save corporations, small businesses and magazines precious time and money while helping engage their target audiences. Ashley Cisneros, Inc. communication products have helped clients achieve key goals such as increasing brand awareness, getting more sales or earned media. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px"><b>Vote for My Partners, Too<span style="white-space:pre"> </span><br /><br /></b></span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px">I'm competing in the National Association of Hispanic Journalists fellowship category. There are also competitions in the categories of Unaffiliated and Asian American Journalists Association. I urge you to vote for these fabulous projects in those categories:</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px"><b>AAJA<br /><br /></b>Cluefly.com. the factcheck desk for the Internet, is a creation of my pal, Jeff Yang. Cluefly.com is a collaborative site for crowdsourced, expert-validated answers to questions about hot-button topics like race, culture, gender and identity. <a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fs45e3gvwy31lm/start" target="_blank">Vote for Jeff here.</a></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:12px;line-height:19px"><b>Unaffiliated</b><br /><br />Dominion of New York: "The Best of Black New York" is a wonderful content site being developed by my friend Kelly Virella in the Unaffiliated category. <a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fs1khjgvwwmh2o/start" target="_blank">Vote for Kelly here.</a></span></span></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-75464201144895391342011-12-12T23:37:00.004-05:002011-12-12T23:41:08.035-05:00CENTRAL FLORIDA WRITER COMPETES FOR $10,000 IN STARTUP FUNDS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ25tL72kUdiGLScVxCBvlbSYUeEAaWPaDCVRU6-AaKxs2_x30d-89QLcSEIkw1nYK0ZK9dgXo4mI6JOsMl-xi3P4w8BBLUbqH_wZKEKpoUeKGrc6252qH0_CfPW17Q9tcGTYwjbOooAB/s1600/AshleyCisnerosInc_logo.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ25tL72kUdiGLScVxCBvlbSYUeEAaWPaDCVRU6-AaKxs2_x30d-89QLcSEIkw1nYK0ZK9dgXo4mI6JOsMl-xi3P4w8BBLUbqH_wZKEKpoUeKGrc6252qH0_CfPW17Q9tcGTYwjbOooAB/s200/AshleyCisnerosInc_logo.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685468261288826546" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span><br /> <p class="MsoDate"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Monday, December 12, 2011</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;mso-font-kerning:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";text-transform:uppercase;mso-font-kerning:14.0pt">Central Florida Writer Competes for $10,000 in Startup Funds<br /><i>Ashley Cisneros is THE only Entrepreneur selected from Southeast U.S. FOR NATIONAL COMPETITION</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; ">Orlando, FLA. —</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Lake Nona-based newspreneur Ashley Cisneros is one of 14 national finalists competing for a $10,000 startup business investment prize, the only program Fellow selected from the Southeast and Florida. Four winners will receive the seed money from the New U: News Entrepreneurs Working Through UNITY initiative, a competitive program for journalists of color who want to become entrepreneurs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">“I’m grateful to live in a country where you can make something profitable out of nothing if you work hard and take smart risks,” said Cisneros, 29. “This seed money means opportunity, and will help me hire more writers to meet demand. I want to create jobs.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, tech writer, marketing manager and PR practitioner, Cisneros helps individuals and companies engage their target audiences. Her company, Ashley Cisneros, Inc., produces communications products for clients around the world. In October, Cisneros was honored as a Fellow at the New U national startup boot camp in Las Vegas, Nev. During the camp, Cisneros was mentored by Rod Colón, master networker, executive coach and weekly co-host of the “Your Career Is Calling” radio show. In addition, she learned from world class presenters Sumaya Kazi, CEO of Sumazi; Harry Lin, executive in residence at Idealab; and Mike Green, co-founder of The America21 Project, among others.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">“This was an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from seasoned news entrepreneurs about business plan formation, funding opportunities and gain an insider look at working with angel investors and venture capitalists,” said Cisneros, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">A portion of each Fellow’s score will be determined by the number of votes garnered for his or her pitch. Voting is open from Dec. 8, 2011 through midnight on Jan. 3, 2012, and voters may vote as many times as they like. To vote for Cisneros' business pitch, visit </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><a href="http://unityjournalists.org/newu/newu2011/newu11videos/nahj-video-pitches">http://unityjournalists.org/newu/newu2011/newu11videos/nahj-video-pitches</a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; "><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">About Ashley Cisneros, Inc.<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Ashley Cisneros, Inc. helps individuals and companies leverage the selling power of words. The firm achieves this by delivering communication products such as advertorials, articles, speeches, annual reports, sales letters and more. These products save corporations, small businesses and magazines precious time and money while helping engage their target audiences. Ashley Cisneros, Inc. communication products have helped clients achieve key goals such as increasing brand awareness, getting more sales or earned media. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.ashleycisneros.com/"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">www.ashleycisneros.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">###<o:p></o:p></span></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-33150337350919454522011-10-25T06:10:00.007-04:002011-10-25T06:35:38.617-04:00Knowledge Conquers Fear: October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month<i>You may remember my <a href="http://ashleyannecisneros.blogspot.com/2011/10/support-my-friend-in-raising-money-for.html">Oct. 11 post about my pal, Laurita Tellado</a>, the amazing blogger who is bringing attention to Spina Bifida, a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.<br /><br />Laurita is currently raising awareness (and funds) for a team she is convening at the <a href="http://sbacentralflorida.org/">Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida's</a> Inaugural Walk-N-Roll, scheduled for October 29 in Orlando, Fla.<br /><br />Today, members of social media’s most prominent Latino online influencers – bloggers, business owners and networks – have partnered to educate audiences on Spina Bifida and support Laurita's fundraising efforts!<br /><br />The Walk-N-Roll Spina Bifida Blog Carnival is being led by another amazing Latina, Angélica Pérez-Litwin, PhD, publisher and CEO of <a href="http://newlatina.net/walk-n-roll-for-spina-bifida/">New Latina</a>.<br /><br />Angélica gave me an opportunity to write a <a href="http://newlatina.net/rooting-for-roxy-a-30-year-old-mami-to-be-battling-breast-cancer/">guest post on New Latina about Team Roxy</a>. I also had a chance to interview Angélica for a <a href="http://latinastyle.com/magazine/features/374/the-power-of-blogging/">recent LatinaStyle article</a>.<br /><br />We need more initiatives like this one -- when we unite and collaborate, big things happen!<br /><br />Please read Laurita's post below and <a href="http://walknrollforsb.chipin.com/walk-n-roll-for-spina-bifida">donate to the cause on Laurita's Chipin Page</a>.<br />Thank you!<br />Ashley </i><br /><br />**********************************************************************************<br /><a href="http://newlatina.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/walknroll_logo.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7119" title="walknroll_logo" src="http://newlatina.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/walknroll_logo.jpg" alt="" width="475" height="424" /></a><br /><p> </p><br /><p style="text-align: left;">October is an eerie month, filled with monsters, mummies, and the macabre. But while the occasional witch or skeleton might freak you out, one must concede that there are indeed more frightening things– like finding out your child will be born with spina bifida.</p><p>And yet, each day in the U.S., an average of eight families welcome a child with spina bifida into the world. Annually, an estimated 1,500 infants are born with spina bifida each year in the U.S.</p><p>I was born with spina bifida nearly two and a half decades ago. The diagnosis came as a total shock to my family, along with an entire set of secondary complications. I was also born with hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain.” During the first ten years of my life, it seemed I was in the hospital every other week with a bladder infection or shunt malfunction. I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t really scary at times.</p><p>But then, at age ten, I discovered a fantastic way to defeat my worst fears– knowledge. I vowed I would educate myself and read up on the condition that, up until that point, seemed to be taking over my life. Much like a child who imagines a ghost is in his closet, grabs a flashlight and realizes it’s only an old coat, I had come to the realization that, when you take the time to learn about something, no matter how terrifying it may seem at first, everything is less scary in the light of knowledge.</p><p>According to the <a href="http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/">Spina Bifida Association of America</a>, “spina bifida remains the most commonly occurring birth defect in this country.” Just how common is it overall? PubMed Health, the Web site of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reported in March of this year: “Myelomeningocele [the most severe form of spina bifida] may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants.”</p><p>As a 21-year member of the <a href="http://sbacentralflorida.org/">Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida</a>, I’m doing my part to shed light on this condition by raising money for the <a href="http://bit.ly/qtlMHs">Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida</a>. When my parents and I moved from Puerto Rico to Orlando, Florida in search of better educational and healthcare opportunities for me in 1990, we found a support system away from our family and homeland in joining the SBACFL. My personal search for a public spokesperson for the spina bifida cause, as well as my work as a current member of the SBACFL board of directors, have helped me find my true purpose– galvanizing as many people as possible to support the spina bifida community.</p><p>So, in the spirit of shedding light on a little-known condition, and in honor of October, which is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, here are some statistics about spina bifida that might spook you a bit:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Spina bifida is more common than muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Latinos have the highest incidence of spina bifida out of all the ethnic groups.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Ireland is the country with the highest incidence of spina bifida in the world.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>About 50 percent of babies with spina bifida areselectively aborted after being diagnosed with spina bifida.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Doctors recommend that every woman of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida up to 70 percent of the time. In spite of this, there are currently an estimated 166,000 people in the U.S. living with spina bifida– up from just 76,000 just last year.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>About 90 percent of people with spina bifida are also born with hydrocephalus. Many need a shunt inserted near the brain to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid– and many requiremultiple shunt replacements during their lives.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Other very common secondary conditions include bladder and bowel incontinence, as well as frequent urinary tract infections.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>After the onset of puberty, young people with spina bifida are more prone to clinical depression than most people. Researchers think this may be due in part to social isolation.</li><br /></ul><br /><p> </p><br /><p>Being able to share this information with all of you today is without a doubt the most empowering and inspiring aspect of my life. I’d love nothing more than to give you that very sense of empowerment. Please publish this post on your own Web site(s), and feel free to add your own personal intro that will make it relevant to your blog followers. As many people as I’ve managed to rally in support of this cause, you have an advantage that I don’t–your audience. So, please share this information with everyone you come into contact with.</p><br /><p>Below is a video that explains just why the <a href="http://sbacentralflorida.org/">Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida</a> means so much to me, and why I’m participating in the <a href="http://bit.ly/qtlMHs">Walk-N-Roll</a>.</p><br /><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yIpzk_1ICX4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></p><br /><p>I will be raising money online for Team Holdin’ Out for a Hero until October 29th, when we have our Walk-N-Roll event. Donations can be as small as $5 or as large as $50,000. (Yes, I do like the $50,000 better!) Every cent counts! Every cent of every dollar will go towards supporting families affected by spina bifida in 22 counties in and around the Central Florida region and supporting educational and awareness efforts.</p><br /><p>Yes, to the new parent, or even to the already-grown individual, spina bifida can seem like a scary thing to deal with. But there’s a power in numbers and a strength in awareness– a strength that gives us the courage to open the closet, shine the light in the ghost’s face, and reduce it to nothing but an old coat.</p><br /><p>Thank you for helping me conquer my biggest fear– ignorance of spina bifida.</p><br /><p><em>~ Laurita Tellado, <a href="http://www.holdinoutforahero.org/" target="_blank">HoldinOutforaHero.org</a></em></p><p><br /></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-26213340653186541902011-10-19T10:49:00.010-04:002011-10-26T19:06:51.233-04:00A Life Cut Too Short -- In Loving Memory of Brent Riley Swygert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfECPZQzpmEiRUcnAE05gGRY7h2oKvnG5woXy2zVenY0rfkEOSO_uxaWm1-8e3PMR2c85xN12hSx0MMf8blPux1i7QlVhXeEzT-vToluqKBRNlPd0bGntTQssKfYCO1qHFLBZSmiGHY-k/s1600/ty-yana_brent.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfECPZQzpmEiRUcnAE05gGRY7h2oKvnG5woXy2zVenY0rfkEOSO_uxaWm1-8e3PMR2c85xN12hSx0MMf8blPux1i7QlVhXeEzT-vToluqKBRNlPd0bGntTQssKfYCO1qHFLBZSmiGHY-k/s320/ty-yana_brent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665215703855527730" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Today’s the last day of my startup camp in Las Vegas, and with all the travel this week, I’m just able to post something today about a horrific event that struck my beloved friend Ty-yana Riley’s family. On Friday, Oct. 14, Ty-yana’s gorgeous nephew Brent tragically passed away while playing a choking game.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">He had recently celebrated his 12th birthday on Oct. 10, and was excited about his grandparents’ visit to Atlanta. Brent was a sweet, happy child with a joyful spirit. I was able to spend time with him while visiting Ty-yana in her family’s home in Panama City over the years. I remember playing with him while he was just a baby … he was always beautiful … he could’ve been in Gerber commercials. He was growing up to be a very handsome young man … and was always so kind and sweet. I will never forget the anguish of Ty-yana’s voice as she tearfully told me what happened.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The choking game, also known as Blackout or the Fainting Game among other names, is <span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline; ">no</span>t a game at all. Children and adolescents use their hands, a belt or rope, or have their friends push their chest or neck to feel a few seconds of light-headedness. What they may not realize, is that they are actually cutting off the flow of blood to their brain and the fuzzy feeling they get is actually caused by thousands of brain cells dying at one time. This game can cause serious injuries and even death. I’m embarrassed to say that I know about this game. I can’t recall who I played it with, but I remember someone pushing on my chest to make me faint. It wasn’t something we did frequently, but just something stupid we did, completely ignorant of the dangers.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">You can see a news report about Brent’s passing here:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><a href="http://johnscreek.11alive.com/news/news/86606-johns-creek-choking-game-blamed-boys-death">http://johnscreek.11alive.com/news/news/86606-johns-creek-choking-game-blamed-boys-death</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">He was a beautiful person, with his whole life ahead of him. Please join me in praying for his family in this incredibly difficult time, especially the Riley Family … who has been a family to me since I was in sixth grade … his mom, Sartee, sister, Lexis, grandparents, Mr. Al and Mrs. Edith, aunts Ty-Yana and Sangai, cousins Akili Love and Baby Riley, plus many, many more loving relatives and friends.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The wake is today, and Brent will be laid to rest on Saturday, Oct. 22. As you can imagine, this horrible tragedy came unexpectedly. If you are so inclined, please consider making a contribution toward the expense of Brent’s funeral and arrangements. You can show your support conveniently by making a contribution at<a href="http://www.charlieslittleangels.org/"> http://www.charlieslittleangels.org/</a> in the name of Brent Riley Swygert. Your gift is eternally appreciated and completely tax deductible.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">You can express your condolences here:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><a href="http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Brent-Swygert&lc=7127&pid=154177556&mid=4850271&locale=en-US">http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Brent-Swygert&lc=7127&pid=154177556&mid=4850271&locale=en-US</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Or you can snail mail items to the family: 2004 Kingsley Circle, Johns Creek, GA 30022</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Please "like" the Brent Riley Swygert Memorial Facebook page:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brent-Riley-Swygert-Memorial/306356459378808">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brent-Riley-Swygert-Memorial/306356459378808</a></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><strong>You can help prevent the unnecessary loss of young lives</strong> like Brent’s through education and conversation. For more information about the myths and realities of the choking game, plus a helpful educational video, visit:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><a href="http://www.gaspinfo.com/en/home.html">http://www.gaspinfo.com/en/home.html</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><b>10/26/2011 Update: </b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Please see the following news report from WJHG in Panama City featuring Mr. Albert and Mrs. Edith Riley, Brent's grandparents.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><a href="http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Panama_City_Couple_Mourns_Loss_of_Grandson_Warns_About_Choking_Game_132566913.html">http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Panama_City_Couple_Mourns_Loss_of_Grandson_Warns_About_Choking_Game_132566913.html</a></p></span>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-79371553758176901482011-10-11T23:27:00.009-04:002011-10-11T23:37:08.256-04:00Support My Friend In Raising Money for Spina Bifida Awareness<p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you knew them for years? As if they were put into your life for a special purpose?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That’s exactly the way that I felt when I met <a href="http://www.holdinoutforahero.org/">Laura Tellado</a> a few months ago at Relay for Life. We were both volunteering with the Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Not only is Laura just a plain amazing person with a friendly smile and great sense of humor, she is a gifted journalist.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Laura is using her blogging talents to raise awareness of Spina Bifida. There are currently more than 166,000 people in the U.S. living with Spina Bifida, but not a lot of people know much about it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Spina Bifida occurs when a baby is in the womb, and his or her spinal column does not close all of the way. It’s actually the most common birth defect that disables people for life, according to the Spina Bifida Association.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hispanic women have the highest rate of having a child affected by Spina Bifida compared with Non-Hispanic White and Non-Hispanic Black women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While research has shown that taking folic acid while pregnant can prevent having a child with Spina Bifida, there’s no known cure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When I met Laura, she shared with me that there’s no celebrity spokesperson for Spina Bifida, but to me, Laura is the hero for Spina Bifida awareness. Through <a href="http://www.holdinoutforahero.org/">holdinoutforahero.org</a>, Laura has started a very important conversation about people living with Spina Bifida, prevention, research and quality of life initiatives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Want to join in the effort? October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month and Laura is raising money for the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida's inaugural Walk-N-Roll fundraiser taking place on Saturday, Oct. 29. <a href="http://www.walknrollsbacfl.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=482404&lis=1&kntae482404=1EF0E8897CEC4FC08AF1718670E1C539&team=4226279">You can donate on her fundraising page by clicking here.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In addition, if you take this special flyer to any California Pizza Kitchen restaurant in Orlando (Florida Mall, Mall at Millenia or Waterford Lakes) this Friday, Oct. 14, CPK will donate 20% of your bill to SBACFL!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The promotion lasts ALL DAY, and applies to take-out orders, too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for your support!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBJRUiZ239tFmLbmjOUTAn2k5Bnys8chkoB-V7HbJ2iTXLMKBTnvbegXoMmarkc9BasinsrOu5rnExazbkVPpzcLSeJzCeVaOc8QaHUzRiYSuVPf-p6OwzakEr3hjuOhxnd8LXpIAvwVN/s1600/CPK_fundraiser_Oct14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBJRUiZ239tFmLbmjOUTAn2k5Bnys8chkoB-V7HbJ2iTXLMKBTnvbegXoMmarkc9BasinsrOu5rnExazbkVPpzcLSeJzCeVaOc8QaHUzRiYSuVPf-p6OwzakEr3hjuOhxnd8LXpIAvwVN/s400/CPK_fundraiser_Oct14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662443409071983906" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-82717632375189164252011-08-24T01:08:00.002-04:002011-08-24T01:10:27.363-04:00Create a Resume That Markets YOU<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwkCUwaaVr8xlH0FKABclSHyDrpz7cIUrUn5_EUa1VWmi71NrM3H2Bfq2LFuap-vQjNRnomnSPV0o9QNKm_DjQyeKBO7rpjInaDLBhyLUVQLWEtWsLVwGOlHruqzeH54gM4y9-xXBgh82/s1600/resume-image.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwkCUwaaVr8xlH0FKABclSHyDrpz7cIUrUn5_EUa1VWmi71NrM3H2Bfq2LFuap-vQjNRnomnSPV0o9QNKm_DjQyeKBO7rpjInaDLBhyLUVQLWEtWsLVwGOlHruqzeH54gM4y9-xXBgh82/s320/resume-image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644278433525540578" /></a>
<br />As a journalist, I'm often asked to review and edit resumes by friends and family. Your resume is an invaluable marketing tool that "speaks" for you, and should compel the hiring manager to act -- namely pick up the phone and invite you to participate in an interview. <div>
<br /></div><div>It's true that your resume must pique the interest of the person reading it within 30 seconds. In many instances, your resume must first pass through screening software utilized by many companies before it's even read by a human.<div>
<br /></div><div>While I'm not a certified resume writer or career coach, there are a few tips I've learned along the way that may be helpful to you.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>No Dissertations, Please</b>
<br />You've heard the old rule that resumes shouldn't be longer than a single page unless you're a seasoned, senior-level professional with numerous years of experience. I've read other career experts comment that in some cases, it's OK have a resume that's two pages, depending on the position. Now that more resumes are submitted through online systems, it may seem less important to worry about resume length. I think the main point is to make every word count. Think about quality over quantity. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>With sky-high unemployment rates, companies can be incredibly selective. Use your resume to sell yourself as the perfect solution for their employment need. Use every word and phrase for this purpose. If it doesn't speak to the needs of the employer, leave it out. Now, I definitely recommend keeping a comprehensive list of your achievements, results and professional experiences somewhere -- whether it be in a CV or a running Word document. Use this document as "bank" of information to draw from when creating and tailoring a resume for each respective company you're pursuing.
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Use Key Words</b></div><div>Nowadays many companies require job seekers to apply online and even construct their resume through online forms. It's incredibly important that your resume contain the key words that are used by the company in the job description, posting, etc. Re-read the job description and highlight the specific words and phrases used to describe the company's needs. Review your resume to make sure that it includes these words.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>It's Not About You, It's About Them</b>
<br />Hiring managers and company execs don't care how badly you need this job. They don't care that you want to use this position to help develop your skills. They have a need, and you are trying to sell your skills and yourself to fill that need. Adopt this mindset, and consider what you offer them, not what you can get out of them, and you will be more successful. Remember you are not selling the features of your career, but the ways you can benefit the company.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Scrap the Objective, Use a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tagline</span> and Qualifications Profile</b></div><div><div>Using an objective statement at the beginning of your resume has been a traditional standard. More and more career coaches are encouraging job seekers to re-purpose this section to a qualifications profile. Describe yourself and your attributes in the third person to sell your qualifications to the employer. Come up with a career <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tagline</span> that "brands" you and use that instead of the traditional heading that says, "Objective," "Summary of Qualifications," or "Career Profile." For example, are you a Bilingual Luxury Brand Manager? Well, say so and use something like that for your headline.</div></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Focus On Results, Not Duties</b></div><div>Your resume shouldn't be a laundry list of your everyday duties, but rather describe the results of your work. Each bulleted item under your career entry should begin with an action word and a key result or achievement, i.e., "Reduced printing costs by 26% through vendor research and negotiation." Use numbers to quantify your success. How many team members did you supervise? How much money did you save the company? By what percent did you increase customer retention?</div><div>
<br /><b>Be a STAR and Show, Don't Tell</b></div><div>Have you heard about the <b>STAR</b>? It's an acronym for <b>Situation</b>, <b>Task</b>, <b>Action</b>, <b>Result</b>. Use this acronym to help you show your value and structure your success stories, whether it's on your resume, in your cover letter and during the actual interview. Remember it's one thing to say you're a solution-finder, it's another to give a STAR example of how you solved important problems and served as an asset to your organization.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Name That Resume</b>
<br />When you're saving your resume, use your name in the file name, such as "Ashley_<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cisneros</span>_Resume.doc" so that way the recipient can easily identify your resume when it's downloaded on his or her computer. Make sure you're easy to find! </div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Create a Cover Letter
<br /></b>Don't send that resume without a cover letter. It's naked without it. Your cover letter introduces you, complements your resume without simply repeating it, and can be used to draw the manager's attention to the top reasons why you're perfect for the job. Take time to find out the correct spelling of the hiring manager's name. Don't be afraid to call to ask. Show that you go the extra mile. Don't use "Sir or Madam" or worse, "To Whom It May Concern."</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Follow Format Preferences</b>
<br />Re-read the job posting to find out the preferences. Does the employer want a resume in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PDF</span> form, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">RTF</span> or as a Word doc? Does the company want writing samples? Does the posting say that the company hates attachments? Pay attention and submit accordingly.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>What tips can you share?</div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-33100320434731857442011-08-01T23:56:00.036-04:002011-08-02T06:12:01.742-04:00Goddess Rising Empowers Women<div><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R6Vd_xQZGS24oTWYbD_KuVdBt_nzba0KzfUpKSSearEu4QX-8qDOd2U_bxzBV7Vm_LHWjKpbjjDKQme0HhptJsvh4GhcPV33wYsX5BEy_KOKjq8bQoKgx-aQxXV06I7K1nPCi2NHuI7h/s1600/roxy_baby_serenity_May6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 149px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636108802471928978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R6Vd_xQZGS24oTWYbD_KuVdBt_nzba0KzfUpKSSearEu4QX-8qDOd2U_bxzBV7Vm_LHWjKpbjjDKQme0HhptJsvh4GhcPV33wYsX5BEy_KOKjq8bQoKgx-aQxXV06I7K1nPCi2NHuI7h/s200/roxy_baby_serenity_May6.jpg" /></span></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>For the past several months, my friends and I have been raising money to help Roxanne Martinez, a 30-year-old new mother who beat cancer and job loss while pregnant. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Supporters in more than 20 cities hosted fundraisers to benefit Roxy’s cancer treatment fund. Roxy’s younger brothers called the movement, </span><a href="http://team-roxy.com/"><span>Team Roxy</span></a><span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>When my pal, Yanira Robinson, told me that her Zumba instructors were willing to host a Zumbathon for Roxy in Central Florida, I was thrilled.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfiAnLL1F2I8IDZMxVR9hBxA9utucaCXCArjBvqPOmKHjE6DElDKnantT3m2AZctQuItjBA3fo4o5xl9SNzuy8gsAGChZsVvH53Ix4eBhTazJQiT4_CU25O_9Snal1OAabA4O0rvYEE0i/s1600/roxy_team_roxy_shirt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><em></em><span> </span><span>When the day of the Zumbathon came along, I (in typical form) had overbooked myself and was exhausted and stressed. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>I was supposed to present a resume workshop for a young women’s organization, attend a blogger conference and make it to a magazine launch party on the very same day. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Something had to give, but it wasn’t going to be the Zumbathon.</span></div><div><br /><span>Within 30 seconds of meeting Yanira’s instructors, Jessica Sanchez and Judy Suarez of <a href="http://goddessrisinginc.com/">Goddess Rising Fitness</a>, I knew I was going to have a blast – and literally work my butt off.</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl5tFMnPh6bm4i4C6rs1cqcK6na_eJ7AyuG1-Pk1gG-2EW3SX8-fBJ7irqyEp4ndHVp2P4RH56b69mXDWdUu20a6FvPd_Zxj58dDMK2_BZKq2Op1Ixtqli1Uir4SoAgdvj3BHjfPvgC5g/s1600/ash_judy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 134px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636108931641089138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl5tFMnPh6bm4i4C6rs1cqcK6na_eJ7AyuG1-Pk1gG-2EW3SX8-fBJ7irqyEp4ndHVp2P4RH56b69mXDWdUu20a6FvPd_Zxj58dDMK2_BZKq2Op1Ixtqli1Uir4SoAgdvj3BHjfPvgC5g/s200/ash_judy.jpg" /></a></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span>The ladies went all out for Team Roxy. Donned in matching outfits, the instructors kept us dancing and laughing throughout an intense two-hour workout. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I felt the toxins and stress leaving my body and smiled through the burn. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Afterward, we fueled up on delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit, deli meats and cheeses. Not only was Goddess Rising an incredible host, they donated 100 percent of the event proceeds to Team Roxy. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I had to learn more about these amazing women. Like many good stories, this one begins with struggle. </span></div><div><br />After a successful 11-year retail career, Goddess Rising founder Jessica Sanchez was laid off.</div><div><br />“I remember thinking, ‘Well now what am I going to do?’” Jessica recalls. “I just knew that I never wanted to be dependent on a company ever again.”</div><div><br />That night, Jessica tossed and turned in her bed. Around 1 a.m., she had the answer. <strong>Pole dancing fitness.</strong></div><div><br />“I had always wanted to try pole fitness, but never had the time,” Jessica says. “Well, now I had all the time in the world.”</div><div><br />She did her research and found a studio owner to teach her all about pole dancing. Then pregnant, the woman had her baby and went on maternity leave. When she returned, she discovered a new and improved Jessica.</div><div><br />“By this time, my body had started to reflect the time I was spending,” Jessica says.</div><div><br /></div><div>The studio owner encouraged Jessica to teach pole dancing, which she did for a few months. Before long, Jessica decided to go out on her own.</div><div><br />“I knew that there was nothing like this in Deltona, and I started Goddess Rising with just the clothes on my back,” Jessica remembers. </div><div><br /></div><div>She bought a few ties, shirts and chairs and began looking for studio space.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_EfTlSv_tTOxm6CyLX9BHbpfe6SwKG_yieyodh_Nn16CGLswkQxyfgqGG6qIOvlvUa48tBQpHbqTCquR1Ml1d1v8yUsViCbmaQ78L81iAeHx1gHrRXfJXnsDPYfha08isbyx1blLMtpZ/s1600/dancing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 134px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636111406593327106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_EfTlSv_tTOxm6CyLX9BHbpfe6SwKG_yieyodh_Nn16CGLswkQxyfgqGG6qIOvlvUa48tBQpHbqTCquR1Ml1d1v8yUsViCbmaQ78L81iAeHx1gHrRXfJXnsDPYfha08isbyx1blLMtpZ/s200/dancing.jpg" /></a></div><div>After a studio opened near her parents’ home, Jessica stopped in to see if the studio offered ballet classes for her daughter. By the time Jessica left, she had talked the owner into letting her teach a sexy chair dancing class.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>“At the beginning, everyone told me, ‘Yeah, I’ll be there! Count me in!’” Jessica says. “But on the first day only one girl showed up.”</div><div><br />Jessica put on a smile and conducted the class for the sole participant, and went home completely disappointed.</div><div><br /></div><div>But she kept at it, and soon the class started to grow week-by-week. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>That’s when Judy Suarez shimmied into the picture.</div><div><br />“She tried the class, and I noticed how great she was at Zumba," Jessica says. "I suggested that she get Zumba certified, and Judy told me she’d consider it.”</div><div><br />Judy turned out to be a go-getter and returned two weeks later as a certified Zumba instructor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jessica was elated. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_yedoTuMD5UJ809QFNv9DJleyxAxKJbaOCYYZ4vs6z2g_pXDFldPIiWPEM3T_fJc1gzwOkNJdgBoI3st1StFOi-ukTQnYGAXroYSjzV99NjrZ9EJ1O7djCAq069WAlIr1vIpLYkJhg7_/s1600/teachers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 134px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636111184667218786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_yedoTuMD5UJ809QFNv9DJleyxAxKJbaOCYYZ4vs6z2g_pXDFldPIiWPEM3T_fJc1gzwOkNJdgBoI3st1StFOi-ukTQnYGAXroYSjzV99NjrZ9EJ1O7djCAq069WAlIr1vIpLYkJhg7_/s200/teachers.jpg" /></a></div><div>She hired Judy to manage Goddess Rising’s Zumba classes. In about one year, Goddess Rising has grown to 60 members. </div><div><br /></div><div>In June, Goddess Rising began holding its 15 weekly classes in Studio 13 Dance Academy on Deltona Boulevard.</div><div><br />The name Goddess Rising Fitness was inspired by the goddess rising pole move.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> “This is about allowing the goddess inside you and sexy side of your personality to rise confidently,” explains Jessica, who requires that her students dress at some level of sexiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oversized shirts and worn-out sweat pants don’t cut it at Goddess Rising Fitness. </div><div><br />Jessica and Judy have watched the goddess rise from within their students. Lou is one example, Judy says.</div><div><br />“When Lou first started classes, she’d watch us do the moves and say, ‘My butt or my waist doesn’t move like yours,’” Judy says. “Now that she’s been here a year, she <em>brings</em> it!”</div><div><br />Though Lou didn’t intend to lose weight, she returned from a trip to the Keys ecstatic, Judy recalls.</div><div><br />“She came in saying, ‘I have muscles! I have muscles!’ “Judy says. </div><div><br />Another student posted a photo of herself in a bikini and thanked Jessica and Judy for her healthier body. </div><div><br />In addition to helping its students, Goddess Rising has remained active in the community by performing in numerous community festivals and offering Zumbatomic classes for kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>They are supporting an upcoming Volusia County back-to-school school supplies event and planning for breast cancer awareness month in October.</div><div><br />In the future, they plan to apply for grants to expand Zumba to local schools.</div><div><br /></div><div> Jessica daydreams about having her own studio, completely equipped with poles.</div><div><br />“With Zumba, you’re having too much fun to realize that you’re working out. You immediately receive the benefits of a healthier heart, and better sleep,” Jessica says. “I don’t know about you, but I’d <em>much</em> rather shake my butt for an hour than run on the treadmill!”</div></div></div></div></div></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-31091856896092661452011-08-01T20:57:00.026-04:002011-08-01T21:28:23.439-04:00An Evening of Inspiring Women<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw6wx9-dQ5swSnpX3u2l_AHC9yzkGomXzhqK7XV2Ezl9o2zWuYZyvIwFT88eF_psi_FnOOtnjO_6oNEh9sVyyZNnJ8eH_vpK9FWDnn2IrAUDnl839JmKqSpSV3w6-U3IQT7cqFFUa7zdp/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw6wx9-dQ5swSnpX3u2l_AHC9yzkGomXzhqK7XV2Ezl9o2zWuYZyvIwFT88eF_psi_FnOOtnjO_6oNEh9sVyyZNnJ8eH_vpK9FWDnn2IrAUDnl839JmKqSpSV3w6-U3IQT7cqFFUa7zdp/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636058689227323042" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:black"></span></span></p><div>It was such an honor to attend the <a href="http://www.citrus-gs.org/suppport-girl-scouts/women-of-distinction/">Girls Scouts of Citrus Council’s Women of Distinction Awards</a> this past July 29. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Aretha and I pointing at our names on the list of nominees</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The annual program celebrates outstanding contributions that women make to improve the quality of life in the community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Within three minutes of arriving to the event, I reconnected with my pal, Andrea Wesser, a brilliant engineer and Women of Distinction alumna, and met a wonderful new friend, Aretha Olivarez. This amazing woman balances it all as a mom, Navy veteran, culinary artist and entrepreneur.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 9/11, Aretha was recalled to service and served our country overseas for two years. While there, she became a sharp shooter and authored several books. Aretha and I were both nominated for the Visionary category of the awards, and sat next to each other throughout the entire event.</div><div><br /></div><div>I told Aretha about my friend Roxanne Martinez, who beat breast cancer and job loss while pregnant. Supporters from all over the country joined together to raise more than $20,000 for Roxy’s cancer treatment fund – an effort that soon became known as <a href="http://team-roxy.com/">Team Roxy</a>. Now that Roxy is beginning the healing process, she is planning to write a book about her experiences. We spoke about possibly creating a non-profit to help women who are fighting breast cancer while pregnant. </div><div><br /></div><div>Aretha listened intently to my story and told me about her company <a href="http://www.multiplyingtalents.com/">Multiplying Talents</a>. Guess what she does? Aretha helps not-profits with everything from incorporation to legal help to marketing! In fact, her company’s name is inspired by the parable of the talents in the New Testament, which encourages us to be good stewards of our God-given gifts. I really believe that God puts people in our lives for a reason. </div><div><br /></div><div>As if the night couldn’t get any better, we were treated to a powerful keynote from Marlo Thomas, award-winning actress and producer, and National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marlo spoke about girl power. She told us that for women, there’s safety in numbers. “If you have only one woman at the table, she's a pest. Two women? That's a team. But three? Now that's a coalition,” she declared. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later, Marlo related how Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor squashed speculation that women can’t get along when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court. "It's important to be the first, but it's even more important not to be the last," she said. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marlo also spoke of treasured interactions with her father, comedian Danny Thomas. When critics kept comparing Marlo to her father early in career, he told her, “I raised you to be a thoroughbred. When thoroughbreds run they wear blinders to keep their eyes focused straight ahead with no distractions, no other horses. They hear the crowd but they don’t listen. They just run their own race. That’s what you have to do." </div><div><br /></div><div>The following night, Marlo shared that her dad sent a white box to her dressing room before she prepared to take the stage. Inside was a pair of horse blinders with a note from her dad, reminding her to run her own race. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Marlo told us that her father mentioned two types of people in the world: those who stop for a traffic accident, and those who just drive by. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to be the type of person who stops by to help, don't you?</div><div><div><div><p style="margin-top:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left: 0in;line-height:12.75pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "></span></p></div></div></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-81897627074535964142011-07-06T12:08:00.020-04:002011-07-06T12:55:33.000-04:00Praying for Caylee Marie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHTbp1vnB68zbpANBZNrF6DM9TMIG_OIowgNMUjphATVLXWIR71AbbUm92OQJlAcbXsJyRKZeJHQ_nOYDWE3JrN3BYq4UDFc9oIAHkwX2OZdSS5gxWT2fygOhLszUJBzvjIU8zK5SrBF-/s1600/caylee_anthony.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHTbp1vnB68zbpANBZNrF6DM9TMIG_OIowgNMUjphATVLXWIR71AbbUm92OQJlAcbXsJyRKZeJHQ_nOYDWE3JrN3BYq4UDFc9oIAHkwX2OZdSS5gxWT2fygOhLszUJBzvjIU8zK5SrBF-/s320/caylee_anthony.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626282191617149842" /></a><br />When it was announced that a Florida jury had reached a verdict in the infamous Casey Anthony trial in Orlando, it seemed that a nation held its collective breath. Though I was supposed to be working on several articles yesterday, I couldn't help but remain glued to the TV, counting the minutes until the verdict was published.<div><br /></div><div>I moved to Orange County in fall 2007, and lived near Casey's family home in East Orlando. I remember watching the first news report when Caylee was reported missing back in the summer of 2008. </div><div><br /></div><div>I often saw George Anthony at Wal-Mart on Colonial. He had a truck painted with Caylee's image and a 1-800 number soliciting any help he could get in finding his granddaughter. The Amscot where Casey abandoned her Pontiac was less than a half-mile from my condo. And I remember calling my now fiancee that day in December when Caylee's remains were unearthed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday afternoon, the Twitterverse went crazy with people speculating on what the result would be. I watched the television reports showing masses of Orlando residents gathered outside the Orange County Courthouse. When Casey entered the courtroom, all eyes were on her, and her every move scrutinized. The circumstantial evidence was damning, but did the prosecution team prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Casey Marie Anthony murdered her baby?</div><div><br /></div><div>The answer was no. At 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 -- just a day after we celebrated the 235th birthday of our nation -- Casey was found not guilty of all of the major charges against her, including first degree murder in Caylee's death.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, I had watched the legal commentary of attorneys saying that all the evidence was circumstantial. No murder weapon was found, and no one truly knows the cause of Caylee's death. Why did it shock me so when the verdict was read?</div><div><br /></div><div>When terrible things happen, I think it's human nature to want justice. People want someone to blame, someone to pay. People want closure. But what you "know" and what you can prove are two very different things, my attorney friends tell me. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while Casey Anthony is an unlikable liar, that doesn't automatically make her a murderer. I think she was convicted in the court of public opinion many months ago, but only the results of the court of law really count. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't envy the job of the jurors who served in this trial, and they certainly had more access to information about this trial than I had.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have faith that every one will be judged by God at our appointed time. And, as angry as I am about what happened to Caylee, I am trying very hard not to judge Casey because I believe only God can do that. Do I think Casey Anthony killed her child? I don't know, but I believe she had something to do with it, and knows more than she's sharing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Caylee Marie's death is a senseless tragedy that we can't fully comprehend, but sadly, it's no different than the disappearances and deaths of so many countless children who didn't make headlines. The circumstances of their cases may not be as sordid as the story surrounding Caylee, but that doesn't make them any less horrific.</div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-20967862293118908672011-05-27T19:13:00.005-04:002011-05-27T19:17:05.362-04:00Posted New Advertorials<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><p><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; "><a name="health" style="color: rgb(194, 29, 12); "><span ><span style="font-size: small; ">Finally got around to uploading a few of my advertorial samples from Florida Trend. Moffitt Cancer Center is doing amazing work to help people with cancer.</span></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; "><a name="health" style="color: rgb(194, 29, 12); "><span ><span style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></a><span ><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhc2hsZXljaXNuZXJvc3xneDo3N2IyYTkzNjlkNmZjOGVk" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(194, 29, 12); ">Moffitt Cancer Center Advertorial</a>, "Life-Saving Research Offers Hope for Lung Cancer Patients" <i>Florida Trend</i> Magazine, May 2011</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; "><span ><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhc2hsZXljaXNuZXJvc3xneDo2NTNmZTE4MjI4NGY3MDU1" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(194, 29, 12); ">Moffitt Cancer Center Advertorial</a>, "Fulfilling A Mission" <i>Florida Trend</i> Magazine May 2010 </span></span></span></span></p><p><span ><span ><span style="line-height: 13px; "><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhc2hsZXljaXNuZXJvc3xneDo0NWFhM2VmZmVmMTlkYmVi" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(194, 29, 12); ">Moffitt Cancer Center Advertorial</a>, "M2Gen Boosts Florida's Economy" </span></span><i style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; font-size: small; ">Florida Trend</i></span></p></span>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-25935329784703656882011-05-02T12:11:00.003-04:002011-05-02T12:12:54.888-04:00Shout-out from my pal, MaraMy fabulously talented friend, Mara, has an excellent blog, Memo from Mara.<div>She was sweet enough to give me a shout-out in a recent post about entrepreneurship.</div><div>Check it out!</div><div><a href="http://memofrommara.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/inspired-by-entrepreneurship/">http://memofrommara.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/inspired-by-entrepreneurship/</a></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-65903570231868725552011-03-29T09:23:00.001-04:002011-03-29T09:25:04.717-04:00Rooting for Roxy: A 30-Year Old Mami-To-Be Battling Breast CancerCheck out my guest post on NewLatina.net. I blogged about my my good friend's experience battling breast cancer while preparing to deliver a baby girl -- her first child.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://newlatina.net/rooting-for-roxy-a-30-year-old-mami-to-be-battling-breast-cancer/">http://newlatina.net/rooting-for-roxy-a-30-year-old-mami-to-be-battling-breast-cancer/</a></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-88112413924740035432011-03-22T15:35:00.013-04:002011-03-22T15:48:05.420-04:00Central Florida Volunteers Raise Funds for 30-Year-Old Pregnant Woman Battling Breast Cancer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1laIZ6EhwXy6RIwWP_D_ApaRzAApBnZCXAFzrCkwXvIEeYjHicouc4fytiAPpRvrM2GcPDSnTFirBthyphenhyphenOaSyhxT5UqclsFxa8gZaex9vYswmVkV_gFEqu9iMH1FuVnRQH8wPWZPfTBDf1/s1600/roxy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1laIZ6EhwXy6RIwWP_D_ApaRzAApBnZCXAFzrCkwXvIEeYjHicouc4fytiAPpRvrM2GcPDSnTFirBthyphenhyphenOaSyhxT5UqclsFxa8gZaex9vYswmVkV_gFEqu9iMH1FuVnRQH8wPWZPfTBDf1/s200/roxy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586990943109392946" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">For more information, contact:</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">Ashley Cisneros<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">407-608-8765<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><a href="mailto: ashleycisneros@gmail.com">ashleycisneros@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">MEDIA ADVISORY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">Central Florida Volunteers Raise Funds for 30-Year-Old Pregnant Woman Battling Breast Cancer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Local “Team Roxy” Is Part of International Grassroots Effort <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><br /></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">WHO:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">A group of young professional women, known as Team Roxy Orlando<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">WHAT:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">Are hosting a Happy Hour fundraiser to benefit a young mother-to-be who is battling breast cancer</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">WHEN:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">Thursday, March 24, 2011 from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">5:30 to 7:30 p.m.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">WHERE:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><a href="http://www.ceviche.com/">Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant</a>, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">125 W. Church Street, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">Orlando, FL 32801</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">COST:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">$15 in advance, $20 at the door<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Admission ticket includes tapas, free drink, networking and access to Happy Hour specials<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">TICKETS/RSVP:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin"><a href="http://teamroxyorlando.eventbrite.com/">http://teamroxyorlando.eventbrite.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">About Team Roxy<br /></span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Team Roxy is an international grassroots volunteer effort made up of friends and supporters of Roxanne Rae Martinez, a 30-year-old Texas mother-to-be who is batting breast cancer. An avid community leader, runner and peewee football coach, Roxy was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on Nov. 1, 2010. That same day, she also found out that she is pregnant. Only about 1.5 percent of women with breast cancer are pregnant when diagnosed, according to the National Cancer Institute.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On Dec. 1, 2010, Roxy had a Modified Radical Mastectomy that completely removed her left breast and lymph nodes under her arm. In January 2011, Roxy began chemotherapy. An industrious person who has never had less than two jobs during her adult life, Roxy was terminated from a recently-acquired job following her diagnosis because she did not qualify for short-term disability or the Family & Medical Leave Act. For the first time in her adult life, Roxy is unemployed. Roxy has retained her health insurance through COBRA because she wants the best possible cancer care; however this makes Roxy ineligible for many cancer assistance programs. Roxy’s treatment, even with health insurance, can run anywhere from $8-14K on top of what's covered by insurance. Team Roxy volunteers are hosting “A Night Out for Roxy” fundraisers in more than 20 cities —including Toronto, Canada and San Juan, Puerto Rico — <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>to help defray the cost of Roxy’s lifesaving treatments. For more info, visit </span><a href="http://www.team-roxy.com/"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">www.team-roxy.com</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">###<o:p></o:p></span></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-84139147638194027742010-03-10T14:22:00.001-05:002010-03-10T14:23:24.480-05:00New article in Jacksonville Advantage, The Handbook for Small BusinessCheck out my latest story in Jacksonville Advantage, The Handbook for Small Business<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/3403">http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/3403</a></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-27313207930708848252010-02-16T00:07:00.004-05:002010-02-16T00:11:10.512-05:00Published in New York MagazineI had the opportunity to interview family law practitioners in New York. Please read <a href="http://nymag.com/nymag/advertorial/familylaw/2010/63733/">"From Divorce to Child Support & Everything in Between" </a>that appeared in New York Magazine.Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-66245380428760903452010-01-18T23:37:00.021-05:002010-01-19T00:10:35.552-05:00Tap Into the Hidden Job Market<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finding work is a full-time job, and with 15.3 million unemployed Americans to compete against, it pays to work smarter.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To help local job seekers gain a competitive edge, the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Orlando Business Journal</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> recently hosted its periodic seminar called, “Job Hunting with the Business Journal.” </span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1RZwGBCs6gFNh8NdlZYvyDaClhvIuImDrFg8ZKkpqHx_mHr9f1ajG3EsL6iYLbRbFTTB38ORBR850uC_IoVF22abfetXG73lZKfmKifbt-PS-E8Ds6N07JChudrhcKSjfb9CkmGHvDFW/s320/Robert.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428307115162745314" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Robert </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, circulation sales executive, walked attendees through the journal while teaching methods to uncover potential job leads.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Right out of college, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> launched a 13-year career in the real estate industry. When the market tanked, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> started looking for new career opportunities.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He started his job search the way many people do — behind the computer screen. He e-mailed resume after resume and filled out tons of online forms. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the phone never rang.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everything changed when he stepped away from the computer, and started networking. In fact, his current job at the OBJ was never posted.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Today, many companies know that they don’t have to bother with posting opportunities on job boards, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> says. They can simply wait for candidates to come to them. And boy, do they come. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> beat out 16 other qualified candidates for his </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">un</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-posted job. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are some of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">’s job search hints.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Read business news to dig up potential jobs in the hidden market.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Review articles through a job-hunter’s glasses. Look for news about:<br /></span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">expansions</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">promotions</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">new permits</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">project or grant awards</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These are all indications that a company may need to hire soon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Don’t dismiss a company because it’s not in your industry. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Remember that hospitals, engineering firms and research institutes may need sales professionals, marketing people, administrative support and more.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Get active. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gain valuable insight about potential opportunities before they’re public, and expand your network by using warm calls, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> says. People love to hear, “I read about you in the paper.” Call or e-mail a potential employer and congratulate him or her on the company’s new expansion project, contract, award, etc. Employers want to hire a person who shows initiative.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Make networking a priority.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Study the business news to find people you know, and people who you should know. Look for news about companies on your wish list. Cut out the clipping and send it to the contact with a handwritten note, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> says. </span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywxhRH8U_MUPGnd5sXHUd72sTPWwZH-OFU0eSapB3LjvJ-6Wg7A__LjGhJYiaoD8gMr4TucbCFnUTT1WGfum4jBPqDtD1OyxImgvJZYR2KK7hiFxYShXCkbTyoIbmzQi0rjdpgrIsAuKm/s320/network.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428309929643666018" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While e-mails can get stuck in spam folders or lost in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">inboxes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, most people read each piece of U.S. mail they receive. Offer to treat the contact for coffee in the handwritten note.When you attend networking events, arrive early and stay late. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">View relationships as opportunities to help others, rather than what you can get out of them.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The best </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">networkers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> want to help you first, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> says. To start a conversation, ask a person what he or she does. Think about who you can introduce them to. More often than not, they will reciprocate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pay attention to advertising.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> When a company purchases an ad to announce an achievement, take note. Send a congratulatory e-mail. Show interest, and watch what happens.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dig for contact info</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. To uncover contact information for companies, check out </span><a href="http://sunbiz.org/search.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SunBiz</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Can’t find the e-mail address for a specific person? Check the company Web site for e-mail addresses that are available. Copy the formatting to potentially uncover the e-mail address. For example, if e-mail addresses on the company Web site uses the first initial followed by the last name, most likely it’s the same format for the person you hope to contact.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">’s workshop was right in line with what I’</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ve</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> been reading in Kathleen </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">’ “The Thrill of the Hunt.” </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> began her human resources career in the early 1990s when unemployment in her hometown, Colorado Springs, hit 7.9 percent.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In Chapter 7 of her book, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> describes strategies to uncover employment opportunities using:<br /></span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">industry award lists</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">industry and trade publications</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">university alumni publications</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">chamber of commerce directories </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">business journals</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Books of Lists</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She even includes scripts to use during warm calls to help shy job hunters.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To find out about industry trends, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> suggests reaching out to sales executives at companies because they tend to know everything about their industry, stay on top of news, know everyone in their company and keep tabs on their competitors. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To find out the telephone extensions of hiring managers, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> recommends calling the company after-hours and listening to the company directory, if available. You can experiment with extensions and listen to names to uncover direct lines for key contacts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Visit </span><a href="http://peoplehirepeople.com/book.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://peoplehirepeople.com/book.html</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">to find out about </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Conners</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">’ book. For more information on the next OBJ workshop, contact </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bobroff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> at </span><a href="mailto:rbobroff@bizjournals.com"><span style=" text-decoration:none;text-underline:nonecolor:windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">rbobroff@bizjournals.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> or 407.241.2912.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-9542924465833595362010-01-18T19:59:00.022-05:002010-01-18T20:45:25.054-05:00The Beauty of Faith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfgzTcvLIXj72smfpsQoKLU-udfDh_Rnm3er6ba3BmI9FmSeKjadp93XPIA8vLqkjKZzGf067wLyUV3RZVBu4-AzhyeXZ0dvj0_Y-NmI2bEuokLVBcFpunyP4xXlXpkmU56oobCulMVJ4/s1600-h/Tamaragettingcrowned.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfgzTcvLIXj72smfpsQoKLU-udfDh_Rnm3er6ba3BmI9FmSeKjadp93XPIA8vLqkjKZzGf067wLyUV3RZVBu4-AzhyeXZ0dvj0_Y-NmI2bEuokLVBcFpunyP4xXlXpkmU56oobCulMVJ4/s320/Tamaragettingcrowned.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428254152220496946" /></a><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When Tampa resident Tamara Dihann Bradley, 25, entered the Miss Black Florida 2010 pageant, she had no question that she would win. Conceit? Not even close.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sure, Bradley did what most pageant contestants do. She prepared for her interview questions, practiced her talent, carefully selected her gown and made arrangements to ensure that her hair and make-up would be impeccable. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the most important item Bradley checked off on her to-do list was to pray. More than that, she believed. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bradley made history as the first winner of the annual Miss Black Florida USA and Talented Teen scholarship pageant. Prior to the 2010 competition, Florida contestants pursuing the Miss Black Florida USA crown did not have a state pageant, but competed via mail-in entries.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For Bradley, being physically and spiritually fit has always been important to her beauty regime. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The daughter of a U.S. Marine, Bradley and her family moved frequently when she was a child. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I’m thankful to have had an interesting life. My family is extremely close; I didn’t have childhood best friends,” she says. “Moving around a lot forces you to be outgoing.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bradley followed her mother’s footsteps into pageantry when she was in the ninth grade. After high school, Bradley moved from Fort Pierce, Fla., to Tampa, Fla., to study education at the University of South Florida. Following graduation, Bradley taught inner city fourth and sixth graders for three years. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Through it all, Bradley competed in more than 20 pageants and won at least 10 titles. The Miss Black Florida pageant afforded Bradley an opportunity to represent Black women, she says. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To participate, contestants submitted an application packet including transcripts. The night before the big day, a panel of judges interviewed Bradley and other contestants. The day of the competition, Bradley participated in an opening performance, modeled both fitness attire and evening wear, and sang for the talent portion. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For their final test, the contestants had to answer an onstage question selected by the 2009 Miss Black Florida, Asari Maurice. Bradley had to describe one wish. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I answered that my wish would be that my mother would be free from pain and free from medications,” Bradley says.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">During the awards ceremony, Bradley was awarded the best talent, best interview and best evening wear honors. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP9Ljyg0WlpdDMSXVeqtoQFrpUzt7tzwnCtTRjrKNWb1nPZrr7U2Ns2xx3uc5jMysS_I7OsZt_DApwnUcYP0ALPObpbDWZPpAG4yzzy5dzAbMFaHMHksuvLqEjoLXGsAEsG68Qt9CocuN/s320/Tamaraafterwinning.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428250375938279362" /><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“When it was time for the runner up to be announced I kept thinking, ‘Please don’t call my name.’ After the runner up was announced, I quickly switched to ‘Please call my name,’” Bradley laughs.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The prayers worked, and Bradley was crowned as 2010 Miss Black Florida. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I was stunned for about 2.5 seconds, and then I realized that this was what I asked of God — this is what I prayed for,” Bradley says. “I knew that I was going to win the Miss Black Florida pageant because I prayed for it. I knew that it signified the beginning of a new life for me. I’m very, very thankful.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The goal-focused beauty queen’s platform focuses on educating people and inspiring them to think without limit.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“When you win a pageant, you become a glamorous servant by participating in numerous community service projects,” Bradley says. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bradley’s numerous appearances include speaking engagements, participating in food drives and serving as a judge in talent shows. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bradley used her pageant photos to launch a new acting and modeling career. In addition, she combined her passion for education with her addiction to fitness to launch a personal training business, Fit to a T. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bradley plans to one day fund after-school programs in Hillsborough County, and offer Fit to a T image workshops for women. Her motivation to improve the way that women feel about themselves stems from Bradley’s own battle with bulimia. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Today, my mission is to encourage people to be healthy, and at the same time realize that they are perfect being themselves,” Bradley says.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Long term, Bradley would like to become a cover girl, star in a sitcom and model for Nike. Far-fetched? Not to Bradley. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I live by Psalms 139:14, ‘I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’” Bradley says solemnly. “My mantra is, ‘Live a life where logic is irrelevant, limits don’t exist and faith is a staple.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What Job Seekers Can Learn From a Beauty Queen </span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhrDdyispiLv32pad_jZjMXFHN12_N_wu0TojF9aEQmmL6Zs0p7gYsDvWZ3ACbIT0_Zd3xT2TDtotfRX3I9bvu_nrjK3pXzkNLXtotJsokYKya26DC970DXjOUGXoKhi8k_01E5Oa9lNB/s320/TAMARABRADLEY_small.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428254303766055522" /><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With the history-making unemployment rate, job seekers are poring over career blogs and resume how-to books more than ever. In some ways, the job market is like a pageant. You have to beat out stiff competition. You have to find the best way to answer interview questions, need knock-out talent and have to dress the part. Miss Black Florida 2010 Tamara Bradley says that pageants have taught her communication skills that benefit her career-wise.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I have never participated in a job interview and not gotten the job because of what I learned in pageantry,” Bradley says. Check out Bradley’s secrets to help you win your new title.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be persistent. You don’t always win the crown the first time you try. It took me several years to win my first title.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reach out of your comfort zone.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stay positive. Even if you fail, never lose hope.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Learn from each interview, and don’t succumb to self-destructive negative thinking.</span></li></ol></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Visit </span><a href="http://www.missblackfloridausa.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://www.missblackfloridausa.org/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> to learn about the Miss Black Florida pageant and </span><a href="http://www.tamaradiahann.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://www.tamaradiahann.com/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> to learn more about Bradley.</span></div><div><p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-49388456972161748682010-01-06T18:23:00.009-05:002010-01-06T19:09:23.239-05:00Kirkman Medical Center puts patients first<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp7jMc-U_dKmFWCsYODgJ6XuLas4gL_Pf-SrKUeww0cnioiKGGmrNVR5bcVOR-belhGLTuIPwsVpLSAdZNmbSEKug2tqOQoAsBMrzdDaqktV-OGxuAx8N6jsu0cga_0V07BXOESR6u2RC/s1600-h/Pillai.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp7jMc-U_dKmFWCsYODgJ6XuLas4gL_Pf-SrKUeww0cnioiKGGmrNVR5bcVOR-belhGLTuIPwsVpLSAdZNmbSEKug2tqOQoAsBMrzdDaqktV-OGxuAx8N6jsu0cga_0V07BXOESR6u2RC/s320/Pillai.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423773654035275682" /></a><br />Since opening Kirkman Medical Center last March, Dr. Srinivasan Pillai has provided high-quality health care to both Central Florida residents and visitors. From immunizations to screenings to treating non-life threatening illnesses, Pillai and his staff offer compassionate care in their state-of-the-art facility.<div><br />Pillai serves about 40 to 50 patients per week at Kirkman Medical Center, and warmly welcomes walk-in patients and visitors who cannot see their primary physicians. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kirkman Medical Center is equipped with a lab and X-ray technology, so that patients can conveniently receive multiple services under one roof. Currently, the center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but clinic hours are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Clinic hours may be extended as demand increases.</div><div><br /><strong>An Experienced Physician</strong><br />While Pillai originally considered becoming an engineer, he pursued medical school at his parent’s encouragement. He ranked in top ten of the 400,000 students who competed for medical college admission in his home state.</div><div><br />Pillai trained at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago. He has hospital, clinic, nursing home and private practice expertise. Pillai worked in an emergency department in Minnesota, and also boasts intensive care unit (ICU) experience. While working in a rural area, Pillai had the opportunity to work closely with billers, and learned coding best practices that have helped him open his practice in Orlando.</div><div><br />Board certified in family medicine, Pillai is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Pillai has special interest in diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, asthma/COPD, preventive cardiology, urgent care and hospital medicine. In addition to serving patients at Kirkman Medical Center, Pillai works part-time at Florida Hospital and Orlando Regional Medical Center.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-EA2ZKkSP6KzczxgOnIv8isy2EynhhCpiA71QZu-DaiWyAxmABg49-A2rvI3Mq4_GppB_12nU3LrNfL88lcNz-ndt0RgBhqZpfze96PDbUTQS__AwjP5l6u3i2JiK0TnBCLv7RD6RxAD/s320/Logo.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 84px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423773758943534898" /></div><div><br />“Medicine can be truly rewarding,” he says. “I feel mentally satisfied, and good about improving the lives of my patients.”<br /><br /><strong>Compassionate Care<br /></strong>Pillai understands the specific needs of his patients.<br /><br />“My patients need their doctor to be accessible to them,” he says. “They want to be seen in a reasonable time. Patients who visit my practice can reach me when they need me, and don’t have to worry about overbooking. They can also come in with urgent matters.”<br /><br />The staff maintains electronic patient records that allow Pillai access at all times.</div><div><br />“I can review patient records securely and remotely online, whether I’m at home or on call,” he says.<br /><br />Pillai believes that physicians should be empathetic.<br /><br />“Doctors must do more than offer professional recommendations; we must truly hear the issues in order to customize a treatment plan for each patient,” he says.<br /><br />Pillai offers extended evening hours to accommodate busy families and working adults. He is planning to offer weekend clinical hours in the near future.<br /><br /><strong>Success Stories</strong></div><div><strong></strong>When a patient arrived with swelling, Dr. Pillai was able to diagnosis her in under two minutes.<br /><br />“I spoke with the patient, reviewed her records and examined the swelling. She had kidney problems, and was consuming too many fluids,” he says. “I restricted the patient’s fluid, and the swelling went away.”</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7UGVlEqLfByBtNKE0QYmUk3I3vqpeNJVZPUUFKzOFVSYYA0NwIHHDL24eNyB0LrEfFUIi3Lcbs27fV4jgIrDNUrlKvrLUkP27RkL3n_nkHxq1d-hBqSRSSgNzE-k27iNTTHdb5HGVfiw/s320/Facility.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 118px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423773938775071634" />When another patient visited Kirkman Medical Center complaining of a swollen foot, Pillai took an X-ray of the man’s foot and found no broken bones. The problem was due to issues with gout.<br /><br />“The man saved both time and money by coming to my practice,” Pillai says. “If he would’ve have gone to the emergency room at a hospital, he would have had to wait for hours to be seen. If he would have gone to another practice that did not have X-ray equipment, he would have needed to make an additional trip to have this done.”<br /><br />When a solider visiting from Iraq during the holidays came to Pillai with a twisted ankle, the doctor agreed to see him even though he arrived right before closing time. Pillai was able to confirm that the man hadn’t broken any bones. The man was treated for a minor sprain, and was sent on his way.<br /><br />Kirkman Medical Center is currently welcoming new patients, and can answer questions from patients enrolling in Medicare. Visit the medical center at 882 S. Kirkman Road, Suite 108 A, Orlando, FL 32811, or call (407) 298-4045. Find information online at <a href="http://www.kirkmanmedicalcenter.com/" target="_blank">www.kirkmanmedicalcenter.com</a>.<br /><br />Kirkman Medical Center is presently accepting Medicare HMO patients from Humana, WellCare and Freedom Health. In addition, the center will soon be accepting Medicare HMO patients from Physicians United Plan (PUP) and Universal Health Care in the future.<br /></div>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-91249322589359566412010-01-06T18:17:00.003-05:002010-01-06T18:38:51.946-05:00Orlando Physician Offers Health Tips for Seniors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu_gtDZ-F7-nQt1X42RicyhpJlXiXZW-2ZrUtXWuP7mNcGlwZe-q_0VU3B8btCRvmKkLhddSYzYHh7ok0uGrxqEdY53m8D2YL4p3_rjyN5IhsTKOgADVsGTdCeUnwexG-HhwjERmxliuQ/s1600-h/Pillai.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu_gtDZ-F7-nQt1X42RicyhpJlXiXZW-2ZrUtXWuP7mNcGlwZe-q_0VU3B8btCRvmKkLhddSYzYHh7ok0uGrxqEdY53m8D2YL4p3_rjyN5IhsTKOgADVsGTdCeUnwexG-HhwjERmxliuQ/s320/Pillai.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423770589210605330" /></a><br />In the month of New Year’s resolutions and ambitious goals for the year, many Central Florida residents seek to take control of their health. This is definitely true for seniors.<br /><br />In fact, Nova Southeastern University released information on a <a href="http://www.nova.edu/cwis/pubaffairs/news/oct-dec2009/identifying_healthcare_qualitative_report.html" target="_blank">study</a> about older people with complex health issues in last month’s edition of <em>The Qualitative Report</em>. The researchers found that the largest group of seniors interviewed, 33 percent, expressed the desire for a change in their health status. Local physician Dr. Srinivasan Pillai says that seniors can take purposeful steps to improve their health in 2010.<br /><br />Since opening Kirkman Medical Center last March, Pillai has provided high-quality health care to both Orlando residents and visitors. From immunizations to screenings to treating non-life threatening illnesses, Pillai and his staff offer compassionate care in their state-of-the-art facility.<br /><br />Pillai serves about 40 to 50 patients per week at Kirkman Medical Center. Many of his patients are senior citizens receiving Medicare benefits. Pillai recommends that seniors take three basic steps to take charge of their health in the new year.<br /><br />1. <strong>Believe in the power of prevention. </strong>“Never think that all diseases are simply consequences of age,” Pillai said. “Many diseases are preventable. Even if you are diagnosed with a specific condition, you can still take steps to prevent associated complications.”<br /><br />2. <strong>Take advantage of annual health screenings.</strong> “Medicare has excellent screening recommendations that seniors should follow,” Pillai said. “These include cardiovascular, colon cancer, diabetes, cervical, prostate, breast and bone mineral screenings.”<br /><br />3. <strong>Ask questions to get educated about your health.</strong> Pillai strongly advocates patient education. “I ask the patient questions and answer any questions he or she may have. I try to ask the patient how he or she would like to handle the situation, whether it be through prescription medication, exercise, diet, etc,” Pillai said. “Education can truly change things. Hospital care drives up healthcare costs, and if we can keep people out of hospitals, costs will go down and families and seniors will fare better.”<br /><br />Kirkman Medical Center is presently accepting Medicare HMO patients from Humana, WellCare and Freedom Health. In addition, the center will soon be accepting Medicare HMO patients from Physicians United Plan (PUP) and Universal Health Care.<br /><br />Kirkman Medical Center is located at 882 S. Kirkman Road, Suite 108 A, in Orlando. Prospective patients may receive more information by stopping by the clinic Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., calling the clinic at (407) 298-4045, or visiting the Web site at <a href="http://www.kirkmanmedicalcenter.com/" target="_blank">www.kirkmanmedicalcenter.com</a>.Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-5780796760505221992009-12-30T15:48:00.003-05:002009-12-30T15:53:27.107-05:00Articles in New York Magazine and Jacksonville AdvantageI’m thankful to have had several wonderful writing opportunities in November and December.<br /><br />I really enjoyed interviewing the New York Area's Best Lawyers! You can read what they had to say here:<br />NY Lawyer of the Year Profiles<br /><a href="http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62619/">http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62619/</a><br /><br />How Connecticut's Legal Community Fought Back<br /><a href="http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62627/">http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62627/</a><br /><br />$40 Million Wrongful Death Suit Against New York State<br /><a href="http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62628/">http://nymag.com/guides/bestlawyers/2010/62628/</a><br /><br />I also wrote the December and January cover stories for Jacksonville Advantage: The Handbook for Small Business.<br /><br />January’s story is about businesses that benefit from serving the community.<br /><a href="http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/2758">http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/2758</a><br /><br />My December cover story was about fellow entrepreneurs Jeff Wright and Shawn McGuire's wonderful coffee house, Three Layers. <br /><br /><a href="http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/2403">http://advantagebizmag.com/archives/2403</a><br /><br />I would love to help you with your writing needs. Contact me at ashleycisneros[at]gmail.com, so that we can discuss how I can assist you.Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-24288883438097520922009-12-02T18:00:00.004-05:002009-12-30T15:41:33.556-05:00There are perks to working from home ...... Like visits from Bambi!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yuobfgnk9oI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yuobfgnk9oI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728957693520145045.post-75779871062688459382009-12-02T12:56:00.011-05:002009-12-02T13:19:59.708-05:00Women Shaping Orlando breakfast celebrates women leaders<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Central Florida business executives, professionals and city leaders convened at the </span><a href="http://www.citrus-club.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Citrus Club</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> this morning to celebrate women’s leadership. The women’s breakfast, “Lighting the Path – Women Shaping Orlando,” was sponsored by </span><a href="http://www.akerman.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Akerman Senterfit</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><a href="http://www.grantthornton.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Grant Thornton</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Attendees enjoyed a continental breakfast and networking segment followed by an hour-long panel presentation. Panel members included Linda Chapin, former Orange County mayor; Sibille Pritchard, president of Hart Communications and senior vice president of Brooksville Development Corporation; and Kathy Ramsberger, president of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center. Stephanie Segalini, Of Counsel at Akerman Senterfitt, and Sonya Dixon, Audit Partner of Grant Thornton, served as panel moderators.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The panel members shared lessons learned from their experiences in politics, business and civic activities. They also spoke about the role of women in shaping the Orlando community and the importance of volunteerism. Attendees were able to participate in a question/answer session following the panel presentation. In addition, three audience members won raffle prizes sponsored by the Citrus Club and Neiman Marcus.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dynamic Leaders<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All three panel members traveled frequently as children. Chapin’s family moved often due to her father’s many promotions. Her grandparents lived in Orlando, and Chapin said that she enjoyed visiting Central Florida as a child. When her husband proposed to her, Chapin told him that they had to live in Orlando. Today Chapin lives in the same house her grandparents lived in when she was a child. Chapin served as the first elected mayor of Orange County, Florida, from 1990 to 1998. In addition to leading on numerous boards, Chapin also raised four children.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pritchard was born and raised in Guyana, and studied in Europe and the Caribbean. Pritchard and her family moved to Florida so that her husband, </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Peter Pritchard</span></span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, a </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">leading turtle zoologist</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, could pursue his Ph. D. at the University of Florida. Pritchard began her career as a journalist, and soon got involved in commercial development. Pritchard serves on boards for the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Art, and Florida State Medical School, to name a few. Like Chapin, Pritchard is also a mother. She raised three sons.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ramsberger comes from a Naval family, and learned to make friends quickly as the new girl in school. Her family moved to Central Florida so that her father, an aviator, could lead simulation projects at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). Ramsberger served as a film commissioner, senior vice president of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), and as director of Arts and Entertainment for the City of Orlando. Ramsberger also raised two children.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Words of Wisdom</span></span></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />Chapin described her first year as mayor of Orange County as “wicked.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Change is always a challenge,” she said. “And change in politics can be formidable.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chapin says that the second year was fabulous, as she got to cut ribbons and celebrate all of the projects she worked so hard for in the previous year.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She spoke about the connection of passion and integrity to success.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I will never forget the response I got from Kathy, when as a mentor, I asked her where she wanted to be in 10 years,” Chapin said. “She told me, ‘I just want to be sure that I’m a good person.’”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chapin encouraged women in the audience to stop being so hard on themselves.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“There is no such thing as super woman,” she said. “We all take chances. We all sometimes play things by ear. Don’t wait for the time that you think you’re ready.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The room erupted in laughter when Chapin shared a personal story. Her mother-in-law was less than enthused about Chapin’s decision to work. When she came to visit, Chapin was eager to impress her. She worked a full day at work, performed her shift at the Little League concession, made a trip to the grocery store, and returned home to cook a great meal. While Chapin was preparing the meal, the phone rang and Chapin’s mother-in-law answered the phone. It was Chapin’s 7-year-old daughter calling to inform her mother that she left her at the grocery store.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Don’t expect perfection. Be adaptable and flexible,” Chapin said. “Seize opportunities when they come.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chapin also made it clear that women should not discount men.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Men gave me some of the greatest opportunities in my life,” she said. “It’s not about gender.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pritchard described the importance of relationships in Florida’s international trade with countries like Japan. They are also important in business and personal life.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“In some Asian countries, they do business by a handshake,” Pritchard said. “And relationships are what you turn to in the end.”</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pritchard encouraged the audience to think outside the box.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Take a risk. Often it is worth it,” she said. “Never say, 'I would never do that,’” she said.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ramsberger said that having a performing arts center in Orlando can foster a sense of community, ownership and pride among residents.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“When you gather people, you build community, and you get great ideas when you build community,” she said.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ramsberger believes in being flexible and taking chances.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Never underestimate what you can do,” she said. “If you really want it, go after it. Surround yourself with people who want to help you. You can have everything, just not all at once.”</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-- By Ashley Cisneros<br /></span><a href="http://ashleycisneros.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">AshleyCisneros.com</span></span></a></span></span></p>Ashley Cisneroshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411819557410566872noreply@blogger.com0