WHEREAS, Motivos is a bilingual magazine staffed and produced by college and graduating high school-age journalists. The publication’s mission is to encourage self expression, college and career exploration, and community and cultural engagement; and
WHEREAS, Motivos magazine includes sections on Life, Culture, College Preparation, and Career Exploration. Submissions are welcome from participating schools, youth organizations, and community members; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero founded Motivos as a means to empower youth to address and overcome educational disparities and unrealized potential within the Hispanic community. Her work within the Delaware Valley Hispanic community and her Masters from LaSalle University in Bilingual Bicultural studies led her to utilize her 10 years of professional experience in higher education and publishing to create the magazine
; and
WHEREAS, Motivos reaches not only the honor students on a college-bound track, but also the students with gleams in their eyes, passions that need some polishing, and dreams that need some guidance – fully capable students who might fall through the cracks if they aren’t told that college can be an option for them or shown how their dreams can become reality; and
WHEREAS
,
Motivos connects Latino students ages 14-24 to their cultural heritage and builds the bilingual abilities of all readers, including those learning Spanish. The magazine expands access and opportunity to college and career options through their after school and summer media mentoring programs, workshops, and speaking engagements. The organization empowers youth to find their voice by chronicling their community's stories and intentionally shaping a future they see themselves in; and
WHEREAS, The magazine harnesses the power of media to re-position negative perceptions of the Latino community and delivers bilingual resources that empower youth on their path to their greatest potential. With 85,000 readers in over 1,000 schools, Motivos elevates the voices of youth; and
WHEREAS, Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero and/or Motivos student writers have been featured on Generocity.org, the Philly on the Rise television show, Visions 2013, 6ABC, the Lo Que Dice la Gente LatinMix television show, Palante Con Camden and
İAhora Si!
radio shows, Latino Motion on NBC40, Puerto Rican Panorama ABC, the Philadelphia Social Innovation Journal, the Philadelphia Business Journal, Latin Nation television, Telemundo, Mujeres Camino Al Exito radio show, AL DÍA, Univision, and Impacto Latin Newspaper; and
WHEREAS, The magazine hosts quarterly community events and an annual gala to inspire and educate both youth and parents and encourages sponsors to not only sponsor print ads, but also events with the magazine. Student clubs and Latino youth-serving organization endorsements provide evidence that Motivos is reaching and empowering its readership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and congratulates Motivos bilingual magazine on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Motivos’ founder, Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End