Meet: Juan Pazmino

Reported and written by: Shirley Reyes

Juan Pazmino is a young on-the rise businessman, and is a fairly new Latino resident here on Staten Island. Married to his high school sweetheart Denise for the past seven years, Juan and Denise have two children (Joshua and Emily). Born Juan Carlos Pazmino he grew up in the New York City area, however his parents originated from Ecuador. He attended Brooklyn Tech High School and is currently in the process of obtaining his college degree. Additionally, 28-year-old Juan is currently a Senior Manager for a leading global organization, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. As one of few young Latinos in such a role in a corporate setting, Juan shares with us his experience both professionally and here in Staten Island.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you do for a living? Juan Pazmino: I am a Senior Account Manager for the leading global provider of customized Corporate Information Solutions for some of the worlds leading organizations. As a Senior Account Manager, some of my responsibilities include managing the customer relationship across multiple accounts, site financials, and site personnel. StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you feel has been the key to your success thus far? Juan Pazmino: The ability to adapt to change. The one certain thing in this Industry, is that tomorrow will hold something new, and how you respond to it can make or break you. In addition, always looking for new things to learn and not being afraid to work. I am always looking to take on new responsibilities at work, in order to be prepared to take on the next step in the career ladder. I also participate in activities outside of work that will help in my development; these activities include attending college full time, membership in groups related to my industry, and being on the Board of Directors for a non-profit agency.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How does education play a role in your success?

Juan Pazmino: With only having obtained a High School diploma from Brooklyn Tech, it has not played much of a role in my success. However, at this time, I personally feel that I have reached a ceiling in my career path as a result of not having obtained a degree from an accredited college/university. As a result, I made a decision over a year ago to attend college once again. I am presently attending Borough of Manhattan Community College and am four credits away from an Associates Degree in Business Management. In addition, I plan on attending the College of Staten Island for the Spring 2008 semester, and will pursue my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and hope to also attend graduate school there as well.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you believe that education is important not only for the Latino community, but everyone in general?

Juan Pazmino: Absolutely! It is a very competitive out in the real world. Having an education makes an individual, especially a Latino, that much more marketable. Studies have consistently shown the more you learn, the more you earn! Although money doesn’t always motivate everyone or equal to employment satisfaction, and can help with one’s quality of life.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How long have you been living on Staten Island?

Juan Pazmino: A little over a year. I moved in March, 2006.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Why do you choose to live here?

Juan Pazmino: Quality of life for my family. I grew up in a small apartment in Queens, NY. I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, have some of the luxuries I didn’t have. Some of these luxuries include their own bedrooms, a back yard, a pool, etc. I absolutely love where I live today, its nice, quiet and perfect for my family. I feel that they are safer today, and don’t have to experience the type of child hood I had.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: When you think about Staten Island what comes to mind?

Juan Pazmino: To be honest, at first, it was that it was a garbage dump. Having been raised in Queens, I never had a reason to go to Staten Island. When I started looking to purchase our first home, a friend from work suggested that I look into Staten Island, and I did. It was completely different from what I expected. As a result, I would up purchasing a home 5 minutes away from him.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: As a rising businessman do you feel any conflict with maintaining your identity as a Latino and still being able to climb the corporate ladder?

Juan Pazmino: I don’t feel any conflict with maintaining my identity as a Latino, and being able to climb the corporate ladder. My mom and family would never let me forget my heritage. As well, my wife and I try to teach our kids of their background as much as we can. With regards to climbing the corporate ladder, I try to have my work ethic and experience speak for me. I make every effort to position myself in a way that it would be impossible for an employer to pass me up. In the past, if I have interviewed for a position, and not obtained it on the first attempt, I have asked what I was missing, and made sure I was prepared for the second attempt.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Has living on Staten Island contributed to that experience?

Juan Pazmino: Not as of yet, I haven’t lived in Staten Island long enough.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you think that the Latino residents of Staten Island face identity issues living here?

Juan Pazmino: I currently live in an area where I am one a small group of minority families; however, everyone in the neighborhood has been really friendly, especially to my kids. I haven’t had to face identity issues living here as of yet.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How accepted do you think Latinos are in the business world?

Juan Pazmino: There is still a lack of minorities at the top levels of the company. Over the last 10 years I have seen an improvement in the numbers of minorities progressing within the companies I have worked for – however it is still not where it should be. As our numbers continue to increase, I think Latinos will continue to be accepted more in the business world, and we have to continue to show what we can do.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What does living in Staten Island as a Latino mean to you?

Juan Pazmino: Nothing as of today.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Would you like to see more Latino-based events here on Staten Island? If so, what kind?

Juan Pazmino: Oh yeah!! More festivals from different Latin countries would be great. I love to take my families to these types of events and try the different foods!!! My kids would benefit by learning about the different countries.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What if anything would you like to see more of the Latino community in Staten Island doing?

Juan Pazmino: More Latin restaurants!! Just kidding! I think that centers for Latinos would be helpful, especially ones that play a critical role in helping immigrant families, neighborhood children, senior citizens and others.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: In general what do you think are some of the problems facing Latinos today?

Juan Pazmino: We don’t know what we don’t know. There are plenty of opportunities and resources available for us; yet, sometimes we pass them up due to lack of information or communication.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How hard is it to maintain a balance between a high in demand job, family, and personal time?

Juan Pazmino: EXTREMELY HARD!! Work, love and play are hard to balance. Unfortunately, at times, something has to give. During the week I commit myself to all of my work and school, and at times can go days without spending quality time with my kids and wife. However, during the weekends, this is my personal time with my family, and I look forward to being with them.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What inspires/drives/motivates you to get up and do it everyday?

Juan Pazmino: My kids and the desire to give them everything. I want them to have a care free childhood, and have the best opportunity for an education in order for them to have successful and rewarding lives. I had to begin working at the age of 12 in a factory, along with going to school, and don’t ever want my kids to have to experience that type of hardship.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are some of the things you have been working on?

Juan Pazmino: My education and work experience have been my primary focus for now.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are you working on now?

Juan Pazmino: In the next 12 months, with the help of a few long time friends, we are planning on establishing a small corporation and begin to explore our opportunities in real estate.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Juan Pazmino: Purchasing my first home, this had been my goal since I was a kid.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you hope to be your greatest accomplishment?

Juan Pazmino: Obtaining my Masters of Science in Business Management.

Meet: Olga Ayala

Reported and written by: Alma Zeno

 
It all started with a mouse. As a young girl, Puerto Rican artist Olga Ayala observed her mother draw a picture of Mickey Mouse. Not just some stick figure with ears, mind you, but an actual life-like depiction of the famous Walt Disney character. Years ago, her mother had hopes of being an artist but abandoned her dream to be a wife and mother. Inheriting her mother’s love and talent for artistry, Ayala decided to fulfill her mother’s long ago cherished dream herself — using her mother as her muse and inspiration. Throughout her life, Ayala experimented with different types of mediums before finding her niche with Polymer Clay, a colorful pliant compound she uses to make sculptures, jewelry and other artistic trinkets. Originally living in East Harlem, she relocated with her daughter to Staten Island nineteen years ago to escape the drugs and violence that was permeating the neighborhood. Although leaving El Barrio behind, she managed to bring her heritage and love of her culture to the island.   Establishing herself has not been an easy task but with word of mouth and a Myspace page, she has managed to procure a steady following within the Staten Island Latino community.   What makes her artwork unique is the obvious love and respect for her Hispanic roots handcrafted in every sculpture. If you look closely enough you can almost see the history of Puerto Rico comes alive before your very eyes.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Tell me about the type of art you create?
 

Olga Ayala:
When I first started working with Polymer Clay and selling my work at festivals, the themes of my work were pretty much generic with a very small percentage reflecting my culture. I had noticed that Latino culture was represented at festivals but it was from other Latino countries, you just didn’t see art reflecting Puerto Rican culture. This disturbed me because Puerto Ricans were the first Latino group to settle in New York have been a presence here for generations but we were invisible at these type of events so I made it my policy to always represent my culture. Now the ratio has reversed with a small percentage of my work being generic. 
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:What is Polymer Clay?  

Olga Ayala:
Polymer Clay is actually tiny particles of Poly Vinyl Chloride suspended in a plasticizer. When the clay is heated the plasticizer burns off and the particles form a hardened product. It’s a plastic and the same stuff PVC pipe used for plumbing is made of. It was originally developed by a woman in Germany as an alternative to the traditional porcelain used to make dolls and it caught on in the fine arts & crafts community. The material has evolved and artists are constantly experimenting with new techniques and uses for it.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Why do you like working with it?

Olga Ayala:
Why do I like working with it?  Aaaaaahhhh….. It’s soooo versatile! The scope of my work spans from sculptures to items covered in clay to jewelry pieces. There are a multitude of different techniques that can be applied prior to and post “firing”, and speaking of firing… you don’t need a kiln. The clay “fires” at a low temperature in any home oven. It’s quick (firing time takes no more than 1 hour) and what you put in is what you get, unlike ceramics. 
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:Where do you find your inspiration?

Olga Ayala:
In my everyday life experiences, my culture, family and friends, but music has always played center stage. here’s something about the way music taps into my psyche, the way it makes people feel. It’s universal allure.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Do you believe your Latino heritage has influenced you whether through your art or in any other aspects of your life?

Olga Ayala:
Absolutely! Music is a driving force in my work. My first love is timbales. My father moonlighted as a timbalero to pay for his kid’s Catholic school education. Latin percussion, especially “skins” are my first musical love. Salsaaaaaaa!  I also always liked “Jibaro” music even though as a young child I didn’t realize how “uncool” it was at the time. I’ve learned so much by reflecting Puerto Rican culture in my work. What I don’t already know, I research. It’s been quite a learning experience to find out the origins of many of the words, customs, and beliefs I’ve taken for granted and I love sharing this info through my art.
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:Why do you suppose Latino’s are so cut off from one another on Staten Island?

Olga Ayala:
I think it’s the way the island is set up. You pretty much have to have a car to get around, it isolates people. I remember my first June on the island. All of a sudden you saw all these Puerto Rican flags displayed from houses and on cars. Drivers would honk at other cars flying the flag like saying “Look! I found another Puerto Rican!” LOL! STATENISLANDLATINO:Do you think there are any barriers for Hispanics in Staten Island or other parts of the United States interested in pursuing creative arts?  

Olga Ayala:
I believe that Latinos are currently the “hot” commodity culturally. I’ve noticed how even Latin music is often played in the background of TV commercials that are not overtly aimed at the Latino community, however….I find Staten Island is still very conservative when It comes to cultural exchanges. I’ve done two events here, The Fine Arts & Crafts Show at the Armory and the Staten Island Waterfront Festival. I was the only Latina participating and there was very little interest in my work.  
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:What problems do you think Latino’s face today?
 

Olga Ayala:
There’s still the double standard of being discriminated against, i.e., the public complaining about illegals but employing them to do work that’s “beneath” them. The stereotypes that we’re all poor, uneducated and that we’re criminals. We have more representation in government and corporate America than in my parent’s generation and lot’s of doors have opened, but we still have a long way to go.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Has having a Myspace webpage benefited you in connecting to other Latino’s in Staten Island?

Olga Ayala:
Most definitely! There’s more here on the island than I realized! Especially those who have an interest in the arts.      

STATENISLANDLATINO:Besides your art, are there any other ways you express yourself creatively?  

Olga Ayala:
I consider myself a dancing fool, (I’ll dance to anything with a good beat LOL!) I also like to play in the dirt whenever I can…. yes…. gardening is another passion on mine.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing art?

Olga Ayala:
Define what it is that you like, learn as much as you can about it and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Pursue it with a passion!

Que Funny slideshow on Myspace!

Click on the picture to see our slideshow on myspace.  The event was awesome!  The comics all brought it home.  Thank you to Tino, Christina, Alex and Tony for doing such a great job!  Thank you also to all who came out to see the show and who tried the Pizza Rico slice from GoodFellas!  Click on the picture to see our slide show!

Meet: Noel Estrada

Written and Reported by: Alma Zeno

For many Latino’s, Botánicas have been a sanctuary for those in spiritual crisis or in need of guidance and healing. Considered as commonplace in Hispanic communities as a Starbucks or a Walgreen’s, Botánicas could often be found in many areas throughout the boroughs, except for Staten Island . Noel Estrada, a Puerto Rican Spiritual Consultant and owner of Botánica Yemalla Ochun Oya, wanted to change that.  Originally based in Brooklyn, but living in Staten Island for many years, he wanted to better serve his friends and neighbors who were often forced to trek over the bridge in search of religious supplies and spiritual advice. Closing down his shop in Brooklyn and relocating to Staten Island he’s been helping the Hispanic community for the last two years by giving spiritual counsel, cleansings or just a point in the right direction. Stop by and you will find he is well stocked with religious articles, saints, candles, herbs and charms. Noel can often be found standing behind the counter chatting with a customer or more likely giving a reading in the back of his store while his cat Garfield stands guard out front. He’ll see anyone who walks in but strongly encourages that you call ahead for an appointment.

Q-How long have you been a spiritual Consultant?
I’ve been a spiritual consultant for thirty years.

Q- What made you get into Spiritual Consultation?
Religion is something that has always caught my attention. Maybe because I grew within the whole religious spectrum of spiritualism. It was always there since I was a kid.

Q: What kind of business do you run?
I am the owner of this business, which is a religious article store.

Q: You used to own a Botanica in Brooklyn ?
Yes. I was in Brooklyn in my business for over twenty years.

Q: Why did you open a Botanica in Staten Island ?
The need for a store like this in Staten Island was great. A lot of people in Staten Island used to come to my Botanica in Brooklyn . Seeing how so many people from Staten Island were coming here, that’s when I got the idea to move. I just needed to find the right location, which I did, so I moved my store here and closed the one in Brooklyn .

Q: Do you believe there is a great need for Spiritualism within the Staten Island Latino community?
Spiritualism is something that comes from belief of religions and cultures. People have to realize that the reason why spirituality was so closed before was because there was a widespread of discrimination. People used to keep their mouth shut and practice privately.  Now it’s out in the world and people have a better understanding.

Q: How have people accepted you since you’ve opened?
They were amazed and happy that this kind of store opened in this area. The people that come from different parts of Staten Island they are super happy because now they don’t have to come across any bridge to go and get the religious articles that  they need. They can come down here and that’s it.

Q: How do you help people?
I help them with spiritually advising. I do spiritual readings. That is done with the conch shells which is something that has been done in Africa for years. Whatever spiritual needs they need. I try to resolve or help them resolve their family problems, personal problems, things of that nature.

Q: Why do you read people with conch shells?
That comes from the Yoruba, something I am a part of. Reading is a part of their life, their culture. It’s not a religion in Africa . It’s a way of living. When a child is born, it is presented to their higher priest where the priest reads the child spiritually so they can determine (child’s) way of living so they know what has to be done to help guide this child so he can have a good life.

Q: Do you believe there is any prejudice in Staten Island regarding this type of spiritual practice?
Well I guess that is something that has always been. Not only in Staten Island but also in many parts of the United States . I say it’s just the lack of understanding. Bad-mouthing about different spiritual religions, cultures. People don’t understand. One day they will learn and begin to understand. Then they will change their minds.

Q: What advise would you give to those interested in learning spirituality?
Have an open mind. Read books. Don’t just read one book and base your beliefs on that book. The more research the better. The more they question and the more they research with an open mind and see reality the way it is, they will have a better understanding and judgment. Get closer to it.

  Botánica Yemalla Ochun Oya
204 Port Richmond Ave
Staten Island, NY 10303

Meet: Jason “Big Bizness” Rivera

Meet Edgard Del Rosario – Salsa Instructor

Salsa classes and parties on Staten Island.  For more information contact: eternitymambo@yahoo.com 

Our premiere event!

Hey Everyone,
We are super excited about our premiere event!  The comedy show QUE FUNNY features four amazing comedians including the audience favorite, comic TONY POWELL from HBO and A&E networks.  Also starring, Alex Pereira, Christina Galston and Tino. We have free Pizza Rico slices sponsored by Goodfellas pizza.  Entertainment and food for one price.  You can’t beat that.  We highly recommend reserving seats. Hope to see you there! 

Map of 388 Van Duzer St Staten Island, NY 10304-2706, US

Pizza Rico – new Latino pizza slice!

Meet Jenelle Simone Valle

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
How long have you been living on Staten Island?

Jenelle Simone Valle:
I’ve been on Staten Island since 1990.

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
When you think about Staten Island what word comes to mind?

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Staten Island is like its own entity… its own little world. Even though we are a part of “the City” the Island’s dynamics are definitely different. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
As a woman that is both Latina and African American, have you ever felt conflicted with in your identity? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Of course, but I had two Great Parents that did everything in their power to ease that conflict. My mother is African-American and my father is Puerto Rican, so I’m the bridge between the two cultures. My families on both sides where such strong and loving people, that it was never a situation. On Thanksgiving I would have “Platanos & Collard Greens”- with pun intended! 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
Has living/growing up on Staten Island contributed to that experience? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well because I came from such a diverse family, I didn’t think anything of it to have friends, boyfriends from other races.  Actually during my Sweet Sixteen (I know I should’ve had a Quineanera, lol) for each candle I celebrated those who accepted me and almost adopted me into their family. For Example: I gave a candle to my best friend and her family The Monahans and stated because of them I claim myself Irish, and for the Modica’s I’m Italian, and so on.   

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
Do you think that the Latino residents of Staten Island face identity issues living here?   

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Not necessarily now, there is a strong Latino community on Staten Island who are still enriched in their culture but not to the point that there are deemed separate from the rest of society. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What does living in Staten Island as a Latina mean to you? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
I never really thought about that…its not like I wear my Hispanic Heritage like a badge or a uniform… I can walk into a room, have a full conversation with a complete stranger not saying a single Spanglish word, nor with an accent and it’s very apparent that I am of Hispanic decent. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
In general what do you think are some of the problems facing Latinos today? 
 
Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well here is where I have a problem… with everything going on today for example, immigration laws, negative stereo types, etc I feel that Latinos as a whole is a lot further along than what we’re given credit for. Sure we could look at the negative but why not glorify the positive. In the next decade or so Spanish will be the number one language in the world. You can also look at almost any major news network at anytime of the day and see an anchor that is more than likely a Latino. It’s apparent that we have been recognized as a major part of the American population to where TV has revamped its marketing strategies to include more Spanish based programming such as, George Lopez Show, Ugly Betty, Mind of Mencia, LatiNation and the list continues to grow. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What has been going on with you? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well at this point I have just been enjoying life. There are so many times when we can get caught up with our career/lifestyle goals and miss the everyday joys of simply living.
I’m learning how to love more and laugh more. It’s important that at least once a day I smile.  
 
StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What are you working on now? 
 
Jenelle Simone Valle:
I just finished my first movie as a supporting role in Puerto Rican Day Parade in conjunction with Sixx Degree Films to be released Fall 2007. This summer I start shooting another film to where I play a Panamanian Gangster in “The City Is Mines” direct by Patrick Pierre and also this summer I will start filming another movie titled “Al Mighty” both to be released in 2008.

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? 
 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
It’s funny I always hated this question… to me a great accomplishment is not a tangible thing. I don’t see materials of monetary value as something that defines that which is great. To me it’s what’s at home that exemplifies a “Great Accomplishment” and for that I thank God for my family. Even the people that were placed in my life as friends I consider- mi familia.  

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What do you hope to be your greatest accomplishment? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
To look back at my life and see that I made it without compromising who I am to be successful. My name is Jenelle Simone Valle, Yo Soy Boricua, Yo Soy Morena, Yo Soy Feliz.

For More information on Jenelle Simone Valle check out: www.myspace.com/jenellesimone

The “QUE FUNNY” Day Celebration

Hey StatenIslanders,
We know how difficult it is for you to come out at night. So we’ve decided to give you night-time entertainment during the day. Our QUE FUNNY kickoff event is scheduled for June 23rd 2007 at THE CUP. We are featuring four professional comics. Meet one of them: Tino.