Latinas Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis Hernández Win 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism

Michelle González
08 June
graphic that highlights Latina journalists: Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis Hernández, winners of the Pulitzer Prize for journalism

Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis Hernández (both of Puerto Rican descent) received the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in the National Reporting category in a groundbreaking win for Latinas in journalism. They earned this honor for their, as the Pulitzer Board put it, “sobering examination of the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, which forced readers to reckon with the horrors wrought by the weapon often used for mass shootings in America.”

The announcement of this Pulitzer Prize win not only celebrates the outstanding achievements of Foster-Frau and Hernández but also highlights the invaluable contributions Latinas can make when given the opportunity to succeed. Not only in journalism and literature but also in many other fields.

Foster-Frau and Hernández are not the only Latino names on the list of 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners. There’s also Brandon Som in the Poetry category for his work “Tripas: Poems,” Cristina Rivera Garza in the Memoir or Autobiography category for her book “Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice,” and Médar de la Cruz in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for his work “The Diary of a Rikers Island Library Worker,” published in The New Yorker.

Foster-Frau and Hernández: Two Journalism Powerhouses

Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis Hernández have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the journalism space. They both bring extensive experience to the table, as well as strong voices shaped by their unique trajectories. Foster-Frau's journalism journey is defined by deep dives into issues of multiculturalism and demographic changes in the United States.

Beginning her career at the San Antonio Express-News, she laid a solid foundation for her impactful reporting on immigration and border affairs. Her transition to the Washington Post in 2021 further solidified her position as a leading voice on these issues. She has won many accolades throughout her career, including the NAHJ Elaine Rivera Civil Rights and Social Justice Award in 2022. Her work mainly focuses on how local, state, and federal governments serve the population and on examining the effects of the evolving racial, ethnic, and cultural demographics in the U.S.

Photo shared by silviafosterfrau on Instagram


Hernández's career started as a Metro Intern at Star News in 2007, covering police and writing enterprise stories. She joined the Washington Post in 2014, where she has covered a range of topics, including hurricanes and mass shootings. She even spent time in Venezuela and Puerto Rico, providing insights into politics, culture, and social movements. Hernández has also won many accolades for her work, including the Freedom Forum/ASNE Award for Distinguished Writing on Diversity and the second prize at the World Press Photo Award for Innovative Storytelling for her project “Sin Luz: Life without Power,” which was also nominated for an Emmy Award in 2018.

Together, Foster-Frau and Hernández use the power of journalism to shed light on important issues, challenge established perspectives, and try to drive meaningful change. It’s noteworthy that in a country with an estimated 64 million Latinos, only 12.6% of journalists are Latino, according to a Journalist Demographics and Statistics report conducted by Zippia in 2021. In 2023, a survey by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) revealed that only 13% of reporters and 12% of editors are Latino.

In the Washington Post newsroom that lays claim to Pulitzer prize-winning journalism only 6.1% of employees are Latino, according to their 2023 Workforce Demographics report. While the percentage of Latino employees helping shape the news at the Washington Post has increased from 4% in 2018, 6.1% is still a tragic number considering that nearly a million Latinos live in the Washington Metro area alone. These drastically low numbers underscore how extreme Latino underrepresentation currently is in news journalism.

Foster-Frau and Hernández’s work is impressive, but their contributions to journalism serve double duty. They elevate and inform the public discourse on important societal issues and are also a source of inspiration for aspiring journalists, especially Latinas, who don’t have ample mentors and examples, yet want to dedicate their lives to amplifying information, ideas, and perspectives that can change society for the better.

A Closer Look at Their AR-15 Examination

Titled “Terror on Repeat,” Foster-Frau and Hernández’s award-winning report was published in the Washington Post in November 2023 as part of their “American Icon” series. The report provides an oral history and review of 11 mass shootings from 2012 to 2023, offering a detailed account of the devastation that AR-15s cause. Based on extensive research, interviews, and analysis, the report establishes AR-15s as the most-used weapon in mass killings and how its destructive effects are often kept from the public eye.

Luz Media connected with Foster-Frau via email for a couple of questions, and when asked why it was important for the team to make this report an oral history, she stated, "Our piece 'Terror on repeat' took a look at 11 mass shootings where a gunman was wielding an AR-15 style rifle over the span of 11 years. What we found was an overwhelming number of similarities between them — a repeating pattern — in the unraveling of the shootings, the accounts from survivors, and the scenes of utter devastation in the shootings’ wake. We decided to weave together the stories of all these shootings into one, using never-before-seen images from the scenes of mass shootings in America in the hopes of furthering the public’s understanding of the uniqueness of the AR-15 and the horrors that a growing number of Americans have experienced in recent years."

The report itself states, “The impact [of AR-15s] is often shielded by laws and court rulings that keep crime scene photos and records secret. Journalists do not typically have access to the sites of shootings to document them. Even when photographs are available, news organizations generally do not publish them, out of concern about potentially dehumanizing victims or retraumatizing their families.”

Seeking to bring that impact to the forefront, the report, self-described as “the most comprehensive account to date of the repeating pattern of destruction wrought by the AR-15,” then takes readers through the entire process of AR-15-related incidents. Including the initial chaos of gunfire during the mass shootings, the unfolding of the tragedy as victims start falling in the gunman’s wake, and the aftermath of the devastation witnessed by first responders and felt by victims’ families.

Overall, the extensive article paints a vivid and shocking picture of how shootings transform “a seemingly safe, familiar place [...] into a hellscape of chaos, destruction, and mass death.” Throughout the article, they provide quotes from interviewed survivors and show unblurred crime scene photos of the incidents, including never-before-seen images of the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022, and the First Baptist Church shooting in 2017.

Pulitzer Prize winner on the AR-15 as an 'America icon' | ¡Nosotros!www.youtube.com

The report is a sobering, impactful, and important piece of work that provides much-needed perspective. It seeks to advance the public’s understanding of mass killings while respecting the families and communities that have been directly affected, giving them a space to speak about their experiences and showing the public the true face of devastation. By turning the spotlight on the often obscure side of AR-15 shootings, Foster-Frau, Hernández, and the Washington Post staff invite readers to consider the “broader pattern of violence.”

When we asked Foster-Frau what this Pulitzer Prize means to her and her career, she shared, "What I find myself feeling often is pride in my younger self — back when achievements like working at The Washington Post and winning a Pulitzer seemed like very far away, unreachable dreams. I also am so thankful to the Pulitzer committee for recognizing the importance of this work and the risks we took in this kind of reporting - I hope it encourages more people to read it. Most of all, I am thankful for all the people impacted by mass shootings who helped bring this story to light - it takes an incredible amount of courage to share your darkest moments and feelings with a reporter. They share in any of the accolades or response these stories receive because they wouldn’t be possible without them."

Latinos and the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism

Only a handful of Latinos have won a Pulitzer Prize since the establishment of these annual awards in 1917. In 2016, a report on the first 100 years of the Pulitzer Prize revealed that 84% of winners were white men and only 16% were women. The first Latino to win a Pulitzer Prize was novelist Oscar Hijuelos in 1990, in the Fiction category, for his work “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.” The first Latina to win a Pulitzer Prize was Liz Balmaseda of The Miami Herald in the Commentary category, in 1993, for her commentary on Haiti’s political and social conditions, and her columns about Cuban Americans.

When it comes to journalism, Latinos have won in a variety of categories throughout the years, mostly as part of teams. For example, Ruben Vives was part of The Los Angeles Times team that won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service with their “exposure of corruption in the small California city of Bell.” In 2013, Narciso Contreras was part of the Associated Press team to win in the Breaking News Photography category.

As for Latina women, Sonia Nazario of the Los Angeles Times won the Pulitzer Prize in Public Service in 2003 for her report on a “Honduran boy's perilous search for his mother who had migrated to the United States.” More recently, in 2022, Maria Hinojosa was part of the Futuro Media and PRX staff that won the Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting, for the podcast “Suave.”

The bottom line is that only a few Latina journalists have had the honor to win a Pulitzer Prize for their work in 107 years. This makes Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis Hernández’s achievement in 2024 that much more impressive and significant for Latinas in journalism and the Latino community at large.


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The Unrecognized Influence of Black and Latino Culture on Viral Trends

Trends have a knack for popping up out of nowhere and taking over our social media feeds in no time. Be it fashion, makeup, the latest dance craze, or a catchy new tune – they just sort of become a part of our everyday lives. What slips by a lot of people, though, is how many of these trends are actually born in communities that don't get enough of the spotlight.

Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.

So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.

Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs

www.tiktok.com

Sleek Bun Tutorial ✨ #sleekbun #cleangirlhair #cleangirlhairstyle #hairtutorial

Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.

Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.

These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.

Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.

Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows

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me and my controversial brows 4 ever #thinbrows #y2k #mcbling

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Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.

Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas

You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.

This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.

Brown Lips and Liner

Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.

The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.

Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.

It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.

Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces

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Wear mine literally everyday🫶🏼😍#thatgirl #aesthetic #fashion #inspo

We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?

So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.

A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.

Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.

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The Unseen World of Latina Goths

The emergence of goth culture within the Latina community is intertwined with the historical backdrop of Latin America. Born amidst socioeconomic instability and political unrest, Goth culture, with its emblematic black attire, a penchant for the darkly romantic, and roots in post-punk music, has woven itself into the tapestry of societies worldwide, offering an escape and a form of resistance.

Goth culture first made its way into the Latina community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was heavily influenced by the Gothic rock and post-punk music scenes. This was a time when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus were gaining international popularity, and the messages of alienation and rebellion resonated with many Latina youth.


Gothic culture's fascination with the exploration of mortality, melancholy, and the macabre found a natural home within Latin America's cultural framework. From Mexico's Dia de Muertos to various folklore tales filled with haunting spirits and tragic love stories, gothic themes echo in Latine culture.

Throughout the years, many influential personalities have helped popularize this unique lifestyle, seamlessly integrating it into mainstream consciousness.

Kat Von D, a professional tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and TV personality, draws on her Mexican roots and remarkable gothic aesthetic to champion goth culture within the Latine community. From her distinctive fashion style and makeup to her thriving beauty line, she illustrates how this vibrant subculture can be an integral part of daily life.


Kat Von D’s husband, Rafael Reyes, or Leafar Seyer, also happens to be a talented musician and author that’s significantly impacted the Latina goth scene, particularly with his band, Prayers. They initiated Cholo goth, a compelling blend of goth and Mexican-American Cholo subculture. Through his work, Reyes addresses potent themes like violence, survival, and spirituality, offering a reflection of his experiences that resonates with the community.

Goth Latina influences are also making waves in the entertainment industry. Goth culture is becoming more visible in TV shows and movies. From Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams in “Wednesday,” to Jackie Cruz's Flaca in "Orange is the New Black.”

Influencers like Mexican artist Lupe Vasconcelos, whose horror-themed illustrations capture her cultural heritage; Fernanda Lira, the forceful vocalist and bassist for the Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa; and Patricia Morrison, the Cuban-American bassist for the gothic rock band Sisters of Mercy, whose Cuban roots enrich her music.

Each of these figures continues to shape and diversify the goth aesthetic within the Latina community and beyond, underscoring the genre's global reach and cultural inclusivity. Not to mention the countless content creators showcasing their amazing style, talent, and artistry on platforms like TikTok.

Goth culture within the Latina community serves as a tool for self-expression, a challenge to societal norms, and a reflection of their diverse heritage. This aesthetic allows Latinas to disrupt traditional beauty standards often associated with vibrant, colorful imagery, embracing instead a dark romanticism that mirrors Latin America's rich and contrasting history.

Latina goth culture offers a unique fusion of traditional and unconventional aesthetics, showcasing the community's diversity. Its evolution and growth, spurred by prominent figures and pop culture, continue to draw more of the Latine community into its witchy realm.

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Can Generational Trauma Affect Our Relationship With Money?

Luz Media

The financial narrative of Latina women is more than just a story of numbers and economic data. It's deeply intertwined with histories of marginalization, inherited wounds, and the complexities of intersectionality. For Latina women, their financial experiences and challenges do not only pertain to their personal choices or immediate environments; it also carries the weight of generational money trauma.

Can the struggles of our immediate family shape our own relationship with money?

Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

Women of color, particularly Latinas, have a distinctly unique relationship with money and finances. If persistent challenge was involved, this bond can inextricably be linked to a trauma response, one that has been woven into the fabric of their identities over generations. This isn't just about struggling to make ends meet; it's about living with the shadows of a past fraught with financial hardships.

These women don't just grapple with the present financial realities; they also bear the weight of the collective experiences of their ancestors — stories of deprivation, struggle, and relentless pursuit of better opportunities. Generations of living in low-income circumstances, facing barriers to quality education, and having limited pathways to homeownership have left a deep-rooted legacy of financial anxiety.

Many Latinas, whether first-generation immigrants themselves or descendants of immigrants, deal with an added layer of challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with a new country's financial systems, and a pervasive fear of being perceived as 'other' create additional hurdles. These obstacles aren’t just about assimilating into a new culture but also about navigating the socioeconomic disparities often accompanying immigrant status.

Embracing leadership while battling wage gaps

Nevertheless, as societal structures shift and evolve, more Latina women are stepping up as the primary earners for their families. The increasing prevalence of Latina ‘breadwinners’ underscores the critical role they play in their families' financial well-being. Yet, with this newfound responsibility comes the shadow of the Latina wage gap, an unjust discrepancy in earnings that highlights the racial and gender inequalities deeply rooted in the job market.

Latina women earn significantly less than their white male counterparts and even less when compared to women of other racial backgrounds. This wage gap is a testament to the systemic disparities in the workforce and adds to the financial pressures Latina women can feel.

Navigating professional spaces as a Latina woman often means confronting the wage gap and a range of challenges that impact mental and emotional well-being. Imposter syndrome, the persistent feeling that one doesn't belong or is undeserving despite evident success, is a common phenomenon among Latina professionals. This internalized self-doubt and external prejudices can lead to toxic work dynamics, further exacerbating the stress associated with financial responsibilities.

How can we take steps towards better financial habits?

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Understanding the money struggles many Latina women have faced over generations is the first step. So, what can we do to feel better about our finances?

First, learning essential financial skills can make a big difference. Simple classes or online tutorials about budgeting and saving can help. It's also good to break the stigma around discussing personal finances and talk about money with friends or join groups where people share their financial wins and challenges. Finding a mentor, someone who's been there and can give advice can be a game-changer.

Another big step towards a brighter financial future is championing fairness in pay. When everyone gets paid fairly for their work, we all benefit. So, how can we make this happen? First, staying in the know is key. By understanding what people with skills like ours earn, we can better advocate for our worth. Voting plays a part, too, supporting those who fight for Latina equal pay in the political arena.

The Latina wage gap isn't just about numbers; it's rooted in deeper issues like discrimination, limited educational chances, and racial biases. This isn't a simple fix, but by supporting groups that push for equal pay and using social media to shine a light on these challenges, we can make a difference. It might feel like an uphill battle at times, but step by step, we can turn financial stress into a sense of empowerment and control.

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5 Latina TED Talks That Will Inspire You

Luz Media

We totally get the feeling of watching a random TED talk at 3am then walking around the next day with a whole new outlook on life - they’re just inspiring like that. The magic of TED talks is unmatchable. Some hit harder than others though, so we’ve gathered a few that as Latinas you’ll find yourself shedding a few happy inspired tears.


What’s missing from the American immigrant narrative by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez

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Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez: What's missing from the American immigrant narrative | TED

We know the immigrant experience is a hard path filled with obstacles, but those who haven’t experienced it might not be too familiar with it. In this inspiring TedTalk, Camarillo tells us her story of immigrating and what coming to the U.S meant for her. Camarillo points out narratives that tend to glamorize the immigrant experience while flying past the struggles that come with it, also sharing her knowledge on how we can help those around us through this experience.

How to live passionately - no matter your age by Isabel Allende

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Isabel Allende: How to live passionately—no matter your age | TED

Legendary Chilean author Isabel Allende’s TedTalk candidly shares the fears she had and continues to have as she ages, but most importantly she shares how she doesn’t plan on letting age stop her from living to the fullest. This is a must-watch for fans of Allende, who inspires you beyond belief to live your best life at every stage of it.

My identity is a superpower not an obstacle by America Ferrara

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America Ferrera: My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle | TED

Diverse, actor, director and activist America Ferrara knows how the world looks better than anyone. As she analyzes instances in her career, she delivers a clear message to Hollywood: you need to stop resisting what the world actually looks like. Ferrera shares the importance of seeing our world as it is displayed in our media, with different cultures and authentic representation. She says, "Who we see thriving in the world teaches us how to see ourselves, how to think about our own value, how to dream about our futures."

The story of Marvel’s first queer Latina Superhero by Gaby Rivera

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Gabby Rivera: The story of Marvel's first queer Latina superhero | TED

Rivera is responsible for creating a completely different kind of superhero story, not only because she can punch portals into other dimensions but also because her modern story broke barriers in popular media. America Chavez, the character written about by Rivera, is a superhero with characteristics that make her so openly human, it’s hard not to relate. Rivera shares how her own life as a queer Puerto Rican in the Bronx inspired all the qualities that make the newest America Chavez adventures so relatable.

Keep your eye on the prize by Lucy Flores

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Keep your eye on the prize | Lucy Flores | TEDxUniversityofNevada

Luz Media’s very own CEO Lucy Flores brings us this talk to encourage everyone to see how our small actions can make life altering differences in the lives of others. Here she retells her own life story where her parole officer changed the trajectory of her life, and how that was only the beginning of a story about resilience, tenacity, and courage.

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The Rise of Moving Incentives for Remote Workers: Would You Move if a Community Paid You To?

Created in partnership with MakeMyMove

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment for the entire world. It’s crucial to acknowledge the severe hardship and grief that the pandemic caused. It’s also important to recognize how it forced the world to adapt and reimagine how work could be done.

Workplaces that had never even considered allowing their employees to work from home were now forced to figure it out. Employees who hadn’t seriously thought about working freelance or starting their own businesses were now doing exactly that. Remote work unlocked a new level of freedom for millions of Americans and people around the world.

The ability for people to live in places that truly align with their lifestyles and preferences has given rise not only to the flexibility to experiment with living in different communities but also to the rise of the digital nomad.

In 2021, the number of digital nomads, those who don’t live in any one place full-time, grew by 42%. It’s estimated that 15.5 million Americans are living this lifestyle, and the growth is steadily increasing. In 2022, an estimated 16.9 million Americans went nomad, resulting in an increase of 131% since the pre-pandemic years.

It’s no wonder then that, with this level of flexibility, communities across the U.S. are competing to attract remote workers through incentives like money, vouchers, and working spaces.

Get Paid to Move: The Rise of Travel Incentives

Government incentives to attract new business to states and local communities are nothing new. Governments have been doling out tax dollars to corporations for decades. Because of the rise in remote work, governments have only recently started targeting incentive dollars toward individuals.

This makes total sense. After all, it’s people who make the world go round and keep the economy flush with activity. However, doing your own research to figure out what cities were offering incentives was time-consuming and difficult. Enter MakeMyMove, the first and only marketing platform designed to help communities recruit new residents.

By making the process as easy and straightforward as possible, MakeMyMove has helped thousands of remote workers find towns that align with their lifestyle preferences while also putting places that some might not have otherwise considered on their radars. Muncie, Indiana anyone?

Technology Harnessed

The purpose of MakeMyMove is twofold: to help communities harness the potential of remote workers and to help remote workers find their happy place. As remote work becomes even more available and popular than it already is, many Americans are looking to relocate to places that offer a better or different quality of life. A lot of people are realizing that when a 9 to 5 doesn’t tie you to a place, there’s no reason not to seek a community that’s better aligned with their preferences.

MakeMyMove makes that transition as easy as possible, helping both remote workers and communities in an easy, seamless way.

Most people agree that moving is one of the most stressful life events. Few people actually look forward to packing, coordinating, shipping (if needed), dealing with movers, begging friends for help, or bribing them with pizza and beer, and the list goes on. Even the nomad is faced with tough decisions.

MakeMyMove simplifies the decision to relocate because it removes some of the stress that comes from the risk of financial loss. The process for remote workers looking for their happy place is as straightforward as it gets. The first step is browsing the “Offers” and “Communities” tab on the website to check out all available options and incentives. People can also complete their profiles and receive notifications with the best options for them.

Once users find a community they’re interested in, they can either express interest by hitting the heart button or apply for relocation incentives if they’re sure that’s the option for them. This is a helpful step because it lets communities know the interests of potential new residents.

If users are selected by the relocation program they choose, they’re notified and receive instructions about the next steps. The only thing left to do after that is accept the offer, reserve a spot, and confirm their move with the MakeMyMove team, which provides assistance every step of the way. It’s all pretty easy peasy.

The Future Is in Your Hands

Tens of millions of people in the U.S. are now free to move wherever they want, empowered by remote work. This has led to the development of diverse, vibrant, and economically strong communities across the country. Why not try West Memphis or Bloomington? After all, life is short, and home is always where you make it.

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Angie Xtravaganza: A Trailblazer for Transgender People of Color

Angie Xtravaganza, an iconic figure in the LGBTQ+ community, was a strong voice for transgender rights, a significant promoter of the queer ballroom culture, and a prominent representation of Latinx individuals within the queer community. Her life story, though marked by personal challenges, continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide, transcending generations and communities alike.

Angie Xtravaganza was born in New York City in the mid-1960s and grew up in an era of social change. Yet, like many transgender individuals, her childhood and adolescence were marked by a struggle with gender identity. She found herself living in a society that couldn't comprehend her feelings, but despite the adversities, her resilience shone through as she sought acceptance and respect for who she was.

Angie Xtravaganzawww.youtube.com

It was in the ballroom scene that Angie found her voice and her family. Originating in New York City, the ballroom culture provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of color, who were ostracized from their homes and communities. Here, Angie found the House of Xtravaganza, one of the most famous "houses" or alternative families in the ballroom community. Angie quickly rose in the ranks to become the "Mother" of the House of Xtravaganza, the first Latina to hold such a position.

As "Mother" Xtravaganza, Angie led by example, setting standards for performance and personal conduct. Her house, under her leadership, went on to win several titles and accolades in the ballroom scene, creating a legacy that stands today. More importantly, Angie's role was that of a surrogate mother to young queer and transgender Latines, providing them with a support system when their own families turned them away.

Image Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook PageImage Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook Page


Angie's impact, however, extended far beyond the ballroom. She used her growing prominence to address the systemic issues plaguing the LGBTQ+ community, especially those related to queer and transgender people of color. She was instrumental in educating people about HIV/AIDS at a time when the disease was highly stigmatized and misunderstood. Her advocacy efforts were driven by her own experiences, as she saw many of her friends and "children" from the ballroom community succumb to the disease.

She was one of the key subjects in Jennie Livingston's documentary "Paris Is Burning" (1990), which brought the ballroom culture and the struggles of its community members to mainstream attention. Through this documentary, Angie became a visible figure representing transgender women of color, shattering stereotypes and raising awareness about their struggles in a society largely ignorant and indifferent to their reality.

David DePino Xtravaganza, Danni Xtravaganza, Mother Angie Xtravaganza, Jose Disla Xtravaganza in Details magazine October 1988. Source: Hector Valle XtravaganzaSource: https://granvarones.com/hector-valle-xtravaganza/

Angie Xtravaganza passed away in 1993, at the age of 28. Yet, her legacy continues to thrive. The House of Xtravaganza remains one of the most renowned houses in the ballroom community, embodying Angie's ideals of love, acceptance, and resilience.

Angie Xtravaganza was more than just a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ community; she was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a beacon of hope. She exemplified the strength inherent in embracing one's identity and used her platform to uplift others in her community. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience of queer culture, particularly in the face of societal stigma and adversity. Today, as we celebrate the achievements and progress of the LGBTQ+ movement, we remember Angie Xtravaganza and the profound impact she had on countless lives.

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