I was honored to be invited as a motivational guest speaker to a group of recent high school graduates and Jr. college graduates who are about to transition to either a 4-year University or first time college. All of these amazing students have been awarded scholarships to help them in their new journey. Among the awards, each one picked a Heroes of Color, Multicultural art print as an additional gift. Truly humbled and honored.

This year, I had the pleasure of coaching three clients. I helped each of them accomplish their goals. It was an amazing experience to have impacted their lives by offering exercises, worksheets, discussions and well thought out action plans. I am excited to announce a group coaching program for freelancers called "The Freelance Hustlers." The Art Mentorship Group is designed to:
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1. Help you identify and develop your best creative hustle
2. Strengthen your marketing and presentation skills
3. Develop strategies that lead to paid freelance work
4. Develop action plans customized to your art goals
5. Foster network opportunities in the art community
6. Create proposals & pitch decks for clients

Applicants will be expected to participate in monthly meetings (zoom) to discuss project objectives and will be held accountable for making progress on their goals. If members are unable to attend a live zoom chat, the recording will be posted on the private Facebook group and attendees are expected to engage via facebook and submit any work requested.
Members will occasionally be asked to pitch their projects to the group for feedback and constructive critiques. An individual assessment will be made for each member to help determine the goals they hope to achieve. This assessment will be reviewed periodically to make sure that goals are being reached and make any adaptations that are necessary. Goals change! 

WHO IS THIS FOR?
If you have been thinking of creating, launching, and monetizing your next BIG idea, then this group is for you. We are looking to build a community of freelancers, aspiring artists, people who have a creative vision but are not creative, artists in need of inspiration, seeking accountability partners, looking to obtain higher-paying clients, managing their full time job and freelance hustle effectively, those who want to be their own boss, and those who want to build with other artists in their community. Our goal is to help you get the tools you need to succeed in your artwork, to honor and cheer you on! Ready to join? Click here now.

Last week I went on social media searching for four positions to be filled. Not only were the responses overwhelming, but it resulted in my followers growing. That was completely unexpected. I am not sure why new followers came on board but I am so glad to have them. They truly engaged with me and even helped me out by sharing and reposting my job posts. Keep finding ways to engage with your audiences. When they see the value, they go from followers to friends. It was truly a blessing. Always be clear about your mission and your intentions. People don't trust what you say, they trust what you do. 

July 29, 2020 I was honored that Year Up asked me by to be the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2020. It was an incredible difficult year for the students to have to navigate through, but their discipline and resilience proved just how prepared they are to handle any obstacles that life puts in their way. ​

Very few words can explain the gratitude I feel for the community, friends, family and supporters who made this possible. First Amazon sells out of their stock, two weeks later Target sells out. Now, Walmart sells out! This is an absolute dream come true and it was entirely due to the outstanding support that you have given me. Thank you so very much. I appreciate you so much!!!!

Goodreads has begun a Virtual Tour initiative, that they are inviting authors and illustrators to participate in. I responded with a one minute video, showing a virtual tour of where I created Little Heroes of Color (fans are always curious to see an author in their element), my book  recommendations, and answering a question "How do you get inspired to write" from the “Ask the Author” question section at goodreads.com.

Powerful things can happen when you collaborate. There was no better collaboration than the one I had with my family. My brother Carlos and Niece Analia, teamed up to write and produce the (work in progress) Little Heroes of Color Musical. Listen to this entire video clip. It will totally blow you away. If you want to book us at your school or business, drop me an email right now!  ​

This year, I am dedicated to training, uplifting and encourage today's creative workforce for the demands of tomorrow. I achieve this through inspirational talks, presentations, interactive activities, and film screenings. If you feel my topics are a aligned with your mission, please contact me for more information regarding my schedule and rates. I look forward to working with you! Feel free to download the attached one-sheet as well.