OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

PREVIOUS EVENTS

    BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: YÜDA

By: Mariah Ring

     Co-founders Daisy Mayorga and Karlha Arias officially established yüda in 2023 to better educate Central Valley residents on emerging technologies. Their journey began in 2018, when Daisy conducted a community scan, revealing that entire communities were being left out of technology career and education training. Before even establishing a name, the founders jumped into action to address these barriers by hosting tech education initiatives through Women Techmakers and Google Developer Groups. What the duo discovered was that culturally relevant and inclusive technology education was in demand and that people in the community were eager to learn. In 2023, yüda was established as a mission-driven business and in 2024 they introduced their non-profit arm, yüda ayuda. Yüda strives to create a better Central Valley, where “technology education is equitable, accessible, and future-proof” to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to confidently engage in tech spaces.

      When yüda was initially established, the founders wanted to be clear that they were not just another tech business. Yüda set itself apart by focusing on human-centered, equity-driven, and results-oriented consulting, teaching businesses and organizations how to leverage technology for their benefit. Non-profits, small businesses, workforce partners, and educational institutions can become familiar with a variety of tech topics through yüda workshops and training. Additionally, non-profits and small businesses can access training on how to responsibly utilize AI technology and how it can help streamline workflows. Schools can also partner with yüda to teach students and their families about responsible AI usage. In educational settings, yüda provides workshops to foster excitement around technology careers, such as coding, AI, and robotics. Providing workforce development opportunities in technology, also allows them to prepare the next generation of tech workers. Yüda is helping fill gaps in the community where technology education was previously not available. 

  Yüda Ayuda operates with a mission to “uplift underinvested communities by transforming users into creators, leaders, and innovators in tech” by providing bilingual, culturally relevant technology education. By using their BUILD framework, yüda is able to assess where community members are with technology familiarity and help them progress through their journey. First, they Begin with basics by building a solid foundation, where individuals can confidently navigate devices, software, and digital tools. After building a strong base, they can then better Understand tools, developing familiarity with software so that it can become a reliable skill. Next, community members are encouraged to Invest in learning, through workshops and hands-on experiences. These individuals can then Link with communities to share knowledge and continue growth. Finally, the community of learners can Develop solutions to real-life problems through the knowledge they have gained. This BUILD framework allows for individuals to feel safe, included, and supported so that they can learn and grow with confidence.

     Yüda regularly holds free community events, as well as educational workshops and talks. They recently concluded a Businesses 101 series with the Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce and hosted a “celebration of tech empowered by culture and comunidad” earlier this week. This event provided an evening of connection through purposeful storytelling and cultura. Follow yüda on instagram, @yuda_io, or visit their website linked below to learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and community education opportunities. 

    BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: STANISLAUS LATINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By: Mariah Ring

    Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) has been connecting Latino and non-Latino owned businesses and community interests since 2015. By bridging gaps between these communities, SLCC is able to create a more unified economic front in Stanislaus County, ensuring that business owners and community members benefit equally. SLCC is currently the only county wide and minority focused chamber of commerce in the Stanislaus region, acting with the mission to “facilitate the economic bridging of industry, business, and consumers through business development services and advocacy.”

       Those that decide to become members of SLCC unlock numerous benefits, including business growth and community support. Being added to the chamber’s business directory means more visibility, which can lead to better name recognition, reputation, and increased patronage. Participating businesses can also access resources, such as educational workshops, marketing sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities. Members are encouraged to collaborate when possible to facilitate growth and foster fellowship. One of the many ways they do this is by organizing volunteer events where members give back to organizations and causes within Stanislaus County. 

        In addition to offering services to members, SLCC operates a non-profit foundation that aims to remove barriers to education for first generation or low socioeconomic status community members. They are able to provide more affordable opportunities and scholarships to those wanting to pursue post-secondary education or vocational work. Scholarships are available for those that are current high school seniors or college students from Stanislaus County. To engage youth and provide them with real-life leadership experience, SLCC maintains a Youth Committee, amplifying the wants and needs of youth to organizations in the county. Youth aged 17 to 21 can apply to serve a two-year term on the committee, where upon completion they receive letters of recommendation, a strong community network, enhanced resume, and stipend. SLCC is continuously supporting youth to develop the next generation of business owners and community figures in Stanislaus County. 

       Throughout the year, SLCC hosts several events to fundraise and improve community ties in Stanislaus County. Community forums, award dinners, an annual installation, scholarship receptions, and empowerment luncheons are just a few of the organized events members can expect. Professional development workshops and networking opportunities are also regularly scheduled, allowing for members to strengthen their professional networks and help create more knowledgeable community leaders. To learn more about SLCC’s numerous events or see how to become a member, visit them on Instagram, @stanislauslatinochamber, or at their website linked below!

CREATIVE NATIVE Q & A: MARISA NICHOLLE SEGOVIA

Q: What is your name and hometown?

A: My name is Marisa Segovia. I was born and raised in Modesto, CA.

Q: How were you first introduced to art?

A: I was first introduced to art through first hand experiences like drawing with basic art supplies, coloring in coloring books, and watching animated TV shows/movies growing up.

Q: What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

A: My favorite medium to work in is Printmaking, specifically Screen-Printing. Printmaking allows me to create multiple, original art works – making it a powerful and historical medium for both artistic expression and reproduction.

Q: Is creating art you full-time career? If not, is that your goal?

A: Creating is not my full-time career, yet. Eventually, my ultimate goal is to create full-time. I would love to find a balance between creating art and teaching art with the ability to maintain an income that will fully support myself and then hopefully flourish even more.

Q: Where do you find inspiration? Are there artists that inspire you?

A: I find inspiration within the mundane of everyday life mainly. However, I do find inspiration within those rare moments of life. There are many artists who inspire me from the past and present! Every little bit of inspiration eventually adds to a collection of moments, in my mind, that I’ll forever be changed by.

Q: Are there unique challenges that present themselves when working with multiple types of media?

A: Throughout my time as an artist, I’ve learned that there are just going to be unique challenges in general that will present themselves when creating. Challenges can be really hard when you’re pouring your all into something but I try my best to learn from everything.

Q: Do you have advice for youth that are interested in pursuing a career in the arts but may be anxious to start?

A: Create, Create, Create. Create in every single way that is calling to you. Explore and experiment with your art and process. Believe in yourself and don’t stop!

Q: What do you believe is the most prominent or most recurring theme in your art? What does this theme mean to you?

A: Personal History, Community and the Everyday. These themes have reoccurred since I really started to dive deeper into my art practice. I think these themes mean that I’m fascinated by humans, what they have done and how they leave their marks in the world.

Q: Where can people go to view or purchase your art?

A: If you’d like to purchase my hand-made art, please visit my website at MNSegovia.com or my Instagram at @GanjaMJ. You can find my (selected) art in person at Preservation Coffee and Tea in Downtown Modesto.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES