July 8th marks mi cumpleaños (my birthday), 26 years in the making. There is something about going over that 25 hump that I have found somewhat unsettling but regardless I brush it aside. Yo soy una (I am a) 26 year old Colombian-American woman in her late 20's with no kids unless if you count my Chihuahua "Coco" with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. My degree has helped me obtain an entry level position in a fabulous media company in the heart of mid-town Manhattan to which I commute from Jersey every morning with a smile on my face. I work a million odd jobs trying to make extra money because, like most women, I have needs - tu sabes (you know)!! I would like that fabulous bag, shoes, nice sleek attire that screams corporate diva in the making and can I please fill up my tank of gas, while I am at it?

The road to where I am was not easy but looking back I savored every second of it. I paid my dues slumming through community college while I worked full time then finally transferring over to a university to finish off that goal. I was going to be the first woman in my family to finish college. My parents lovingly disapproved of my career choice. I would hear them say, "Why don't you be a nurse, maybe a teacher, find yourself a nice husband in college" I kept pushing. I must have worked every single job in the world to get to where I am now. I hustled shoes for Steve Madden, convinced parents their kids could one day be models as a "model scout" in the mall, made cappuccinos at a café, welcomed people to the Gap, pretended to bartend at a random bar, worked in a hair salon answering phones, an administrative assistant in a HVAC company, receptionist in a car dealership, harassed people at clubs in the Tri State area to sign email lists, handed out samples of liquor as a promotional model in multi million dollar country clubs in Long Island. La lista (and the list) keeps going and going.

I am not your typical Latina. I wouldn't trade my signature hoop doorknocker earrings for anything in the world. Mi familia (my family) will always be my staple. I make mouthwatering rice and beans. I love empanadas anytime of the day or night. My family parties can go on for hours into the night, my father awing the masses with his fancy dance moves. I cherish that foundation and it led to me to fall in love with NYC.

I yearn for the hustle and bustle of NYC. I envision that as I climb that corporate ladder I will one day be a fabulous Latina diva in sales, making a half a million in commission with a great salary. I will command respect for the strong Latina woman I am. I am the new modern Latina. I do not need a husband. Kids will one day come. I am curvy and I love it. I embrace my wild curly hair. I roam the streets of NYC with a battery-operated fan because it is too hot out there looking at pumps, sneakers, art, new restaurants, fabulous clothes, makeup, culture and everything that makes this country so great.

I am the modern Latina woman trying to make it big and am aware that we are everywhere. In fact, I think every woman Latina or not, has that Sazon in her soul. Le mando mucho amor (I send much love) out to all of us new modern women Latina women. We make moves. We get things done but como siempre (like always), never forget who we are! In future entries I look forward to sharing with you cooking recipes, and fitness plans to work with your curves. Keep you posted on hot Latin nightlife in NYC, new Latino music reviews, and what is new in celebrity Latino gossip. I will keep you posted on clothes, shoes, and hair products that work for any modern Latina on the go. Until next time, my wonderful readers, stay fabulous! Ciao pues (bye).

Miss Nadya