Mid Hudson Region
Mariel Fiori
Managing Director
La Voz Magazine
Age: 35
Mariel Fiori is the co-founder and managing editor of the monthly independent magazine, La Voz, which seeks to empower the Hispanic population of the Hudson Valley region through actionable information. Fiori is a journalist and translator with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Latin American and Iberian Studies from Bard College. Before coming to the United States in 2003, she lived and worked for two years in Spain, and previously in Buenos Aires, her hometown, where she earned a degree in journalism and studied legal and commercial English-Spanish translation at the Catholic University of Argentina. She has worked for different mass media groups and independent media in Argentina, Spain and the United States as a researcher, writer, translator, editor and radio and television producer. Carrie J. Ross, from the Kingston Times, wrote about Fiori: "Mariel Fiori has been dedicating her life to the business of dissemination: stories, information, energy, contacts, ideas, projects, beliefs, education, attitudes and voices."
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have lived in the Hudson Valley area since 2003.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am a journalist and a translator, and I have recently earned my Master’s degree in Business Administration from NYU, Stern School of Business. Before coming to the United States in 2003, I lived and worked for two years in Spain, and previously in Buenos Aires, where I earned a degree in journalism and studied legal and commercial translation at the Catholic University of Argentina. In 2005, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American and Iberian Studies from Bard College. I have worked for different mass media groups and independent media in Argentina, Spain and the United States as a researcher, writer, translator, editor and radio and television producer. Overall, I enjoy the challenge of learning, striving to continue to educate myself, be it literature or be it business, and share my knowledge with others, particularly through La Voz magazine.
How did you choose your current career/position? Short answer: looking for new challenges. Long answer, here: I am the co-founder and managing editor of La Voz magazine, a monthly publication in Spanish that empowers its Hispanic immigrant readers in the Hudson Valley through actionable information. In the spring of 2004, Emily Schmall (then a student at Bard) and I released the first issue of La Voz, a Spanish-language magazine aimed at bridging the Anglo and Hispanic cultures. Despite the growing immigrant population, there was no Spanish-language news source in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Upon my graduation from Bard in May 2005, I presented a proposal to Leon Botstein, the college's president, in which I envisioned La Voz reaching a wider population through a larger circulation, greater distribution channels and frequency. I was hired as the managing editor of La Voz in September 2005. Today, with the contributions of student and non-student writers, La Voz prints 5,000 copies every month and reaches over twenty towns in four counties.
What are your civic/community affiliations? Since 2007, I have been a board member of Somos la Llave del Futuro, Inc, a Dutchess County based non-profit organization seeking to build leadership in the Latino immigrant communities of the Hudson Valley; and since August 2010, I have been a board member of Family of Woodstock, Inc., an Ulster County based 40 year-old service agency. I have been a member of the Ulster County Hispanic Advisory Board, Mano a Mano grouo, since 2005, and have recently accepted to serve in the advisory board of the Dutchess County Arts Council. I am a volunteer programmer at local community radio WGXC 90.7FM (for Columbia and Greene counties), and co-host two shows, the Tuesday afternoon news La Tarde Bilingüe, and the Friday afternoon show ¿Qué cocinaré hoy?
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? Accepting the status quo is not part of my blood, my raising or background. This means that we need to use whichever tools we possess (i.e. education, network, time and/or money) to help improve the part of the world where we live. Because my talents lie in communications, I try to use them to help Latinos in NYS lead a successful and productive life ─which is actually the reason many of us came here: to achieve our version of the American dream─ mostly, through La Voz magazine, http://lavoz.bard.edu
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy reading, cooking, drawing and dancing to the drums of African music or playing capoeira (Brazilian dance and martial arts combined) with friends. These last two I will resume in the summer after my first child is born.
How do you balance work and family life? Being pregnant (due at the end of May) is a constant reality check that professional, and personal, life need to be balanced to remain healthy. Cooking for friends and my partner, and finding ways to do activities together proves rewarding every time.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My parents, no doubt, are the greatest influencers. They instilled in me the importance of a good education and of sharing, which is good both individually and for the society.
What book are you currently reading? The Shallows, what the internet is doing to our brains, by Nicholas Carr; and The Baby Book, by the Sears.
What is your favorite quote? Actually, two: “Worry is a bad use of the imagination” (by various people) And: “Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.” Barack Obama
Managing Director
La Voz Magazine
Age: 35
Mariel Fiori is the co-founder and managing editor of the monthly independent magazine, La Voz, which seeks to empower the Hispanic population of the Hudson Valley region through actionable information. Fiori is a journalist and translator with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Latin American and Iberian Studies from Bard College. Before coming to the United States in 2003, she lived and worked for two years in Spain, and previously in Buenos Aires, her hometown, where she earned a degree in journalism and studied legal and commercial English-Spanish translation at the Catholic University of Argentina. She has worked for different mass media groups and independent media in Argentina, Spain and the United States as a researcher, writer, translator, editor and radio and television producer. Carrie J. Ross, from the Kingston Times, wrote about Fiori: "Mariel Fiori has been dedicating her life to the business of dissemination: stories, information, energy, contacts, ideas, projects, beliefs, education, attitudes and voices."
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have lived in the Hudson Valley area since 2003.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am a journalist and a translator, and I have recently earned my Master’s degree in Business Administration from NYU, Stern School of Business. Before coming to the United States in 2003, I lived and worked for two years in Spain, and previously in Buenos Aires, where I earned a degree in journalism and studied legal and commercial translation at the Catholic University of Argentina. In 2005, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American and Iberian Studies from Bard College. I have worked for different mass media groups and independent media in Argentina, Spain and the United States as a researcher, writer, translator, editor and radio and television producer. Overall, I enjoy the challenge of learning, striving to continue to educate myself, be it literature or be it business, and share my knowledge with others, particularly through La Voz magazine.
How did you choose your current career/position? Short answer: looking for new challenges. Long answer, here: I am the co-founder and managing editor of La Voz magazine, a monthly publication in Spanish that empowers its Hispanic immigrant readers in the Hudson Valley through actionable information. In the spring of 2004, Emily Schmall (then a student at Bard) and I released the first issue of La Voz, a Spanish-language magazine aimed at bridging the Anglo and Hispanic cultures. Despite the growing immigrant population, there was no Spanish-language news source in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Upon my graduation from Bard in May 2005, I presented a proposal to Leon Botstein, the college's president, in which I envisioned La Voz reaching a wider population through a larger circulation, greater distribution channels and frequency. I was hired as the managing editor of La Voz in September 2005. Today, with the contributions of student and non-student writers, La Voz prints 5,000 copies every month and reaches over twenty towns in four counties.
What are your civic/community affiliations? Since 2007, I have been a board member of Somos la Llave del Futuro, Inc, a Dutchess County based non-profit organization seeking to build leadership in the Latino immigrant communities of the Hudson Valley; and since August 2010, I have been a board member of Family of Woodstock, Inc., an Ulster County based 40 year-old service agency. I have been a member of the Ulster County Hispanic Advisory Board, Mano a Mano grouo, since 2005, and have recently accepted to serve in the advisory board of the Dutchess County Arts Council. I am a volunteer programmer at local community radio WGXC 90.7FM (for Columbia and Greene counties), and co-host two shows, the Tuesday afternoon news La Tarde Bilingüe, and the Friday afternoon show ¿Qué cocinaré hoy?
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? Accepting the status quo is not part of my blood, my raising or background. This means that we need to use whichever tools we possess (i.e. education, network, time and/or money) to help improve the part of the world where we live. Because my talents lie in communications, I try to use them to help Latinos in NYS lead a successful and productive life ─which is actually the reason many of us came here: to achieve our version of the American dream─ mostly, through La Voz magazine, http://lavoz.bard.edu
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy reading, cooking, drawing and dancing to the drums of African music or playing capoeira (Brazilian dance and martial arts combined) with friends. These last two I will resume in the summer after my first child is born.
How do you balance work and family life? Being pregnant (due at the end of May) is a constant reality check that professional, and personal, life need to be balanced to remain healthy. Cooking for friends and my partner, and finding ways to do activities together proves rewarding every time.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My parents, no doubt, are the greatest influencers. They instilled in me the importance of a good education and of sharing, which is good both individually and for the society.
What book are you currently reading? The Shallows, what the internet is doing to our brains, by Nicholas Carr; and The Baby Book, by the Sears.
What is your favorite quote? Actually, two: “Worry is a bad use of the imagination” (by various people) And: “Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.” Barack Obama
John-Raphael Pichardo, II
Student Ambassador
University at Albany, SUNY
Age: 21
John-Rapahel is always looking to make a difference through his community activism. His work to encourage other Latino youth to become active, is a great example of the talent we have in our community. Among his many accomplishments.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Westchester County, New York. I currently reside in the Hudson Valley Town of Poughkeepsie. I have lived there for 8 years.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am currently a Senior at the University At Albany, SUNY graduating in May of 2012 Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Political Science. I am currently a Session Assistant for the Honorable State Senator Liz Krueger. During the latter part of my junior year, I became a Purple & Gold Ambassador where I represent the current student body at Alumni functions and University Sponsored events. I am in the process of applying to Law School start in Fall 2012. In the Summer of 2008 before I started my Freshmen year at the University at Albany, SUNY, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the in the LAWbound Scholars program by LatinoJustice PRLDEF. This is a program to help students with pursuing a career in the legal profession. The following Summer I interned in the Westchester County Supreme Court under the Honorable Susan Capeci, where I helped with Court room order and with decision of cases before the bench. Lastly, In the Summer of 2011 I had the opportunity to work in the Office of the District Attorney of Westchester County where I helped in the Education and training Bureau, where I was able to help with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Courses and outreach programs for the community.
How did you choose your current career/position? I chose the path to become an Attorney because of my experience with the Criminal Justice system. My aunt is a Probation Officer for Westchester County, growing up I was able to witness the flaws in the Criminal Justice system and vowed growing up to fix those problems.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am affiliated with Fuerza Latina, the only Latino Oriented Student Group at my University; where I served as Treasurer for the academic year of 2009-2010 and am currently serving as an Ex-Offcio. I am formerly a Resident Assistant on My campus serving from August 2009-January 2012. I also partook in the Edward T. Rogowsky’s Model Senate Session Program twice both in 2010 and 2011.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? After completing Law school I plan to become at first, an Assistant District Attorney and be a resource for the office to provide an alternative perspective with cases. Hopefully, becoming a District Attorney or Judge where I can help fix any flaws in the Criminal Justice System. Ultimately, after working under the Honorable State Senator Liz Krueger, I would like to become a Senator of New York and advocate for Legislation that will help better the Latino Communities in New York State.
What are some of your hobbies? My favorite hobby is singing. One thing many people don’t know about me is that I am Classically/Operatically trained vocalist. I have had the opportunity to perform in 4 Operas while in High School and at my University. Growing up, I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Dutchess County Fair and at the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association’s Annual Dinner Dance.
How do you balance work and family life? Balancing Work and family life can be a difficult task but I am always reminded that there is always a time and place for everything. There is a time to work and there is a time to play.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? The most influential person in my life is my Mother. My Mother no matter what, has always been a big supporter for me, even when others were not. My Mother would always push me to achieve higher and to never settle for less than what I want. She has been the biggest investor in my education. She is the only person who I accept criticism from that actually has meaning and love attached with it.
What book are you currently reading? I am currently reading, Steve Job’s Biography by Walter Issacson & His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis.
What is your favorite quote? "It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Student Ambassador
University at Albany, SUNY
Age: 21
John-Rapahel is always looking to make a difference through his community activism. His work to encourage other Latino youth to become active, is a great example of the talent we have in our community. Among his many accomplishments.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Westchester County, New York. I currently reside in the Hudson Valley Town of Poughkeepsie. I have lived there for 8 years.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am currently a Senior at the University At Albany, SUNY graduating in May of 2012 Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Political Science. I am currently a Session Assistant for the Honorable State Senator Liz Krueger. During the latter part of my junior year, I became a Purple & Gold Ambassador where I represent the current student body at Alumni functions and University Sponsored events. I am in the process of applying to Law School start in Fall 2012. In the Summer of 2008 before I started my Freshmen year at the University at Albany, SUNY, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the in the LAWbound Scholars program by LatinoJustice PRLDEF. This is a program to help students with pursuing a career in the legal profession. The following Summer I interned in the Westchester County Supreme Court under the Honorable Susan Capeci, where I helped with Court room order and with decision of cases before the bench. Lastly, In the Summer of 2011 I had the opportunity to work in the Office of the District Attorney of Westchester County where I helped in the Education and training Bureau, where I was able to help with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Courses and outreach programs for the community.
How did you choose your current career/position? I chose the path to become an Attorney because of my experience with the Criminal Justice system. My aunt is a Probation Officer for Westchester County, growing up I was able to witness the flaws in the Criminal Justice system and vowed growing up to fix those problems.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am affiliated with Fuerza Latina, the only Latino Oriented Student Group at my University; where I served as Treasurer for the academic year of 2009-2010 and am currently serving as an Ex-Offcio. I am formerly a Resident Assistant on My campus serving from August 2009-January 2012. I also partook in the Edward T. Rogowsky’s Model Senate Session Program twice both in 2010 and 2011.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? After completing Law school I plan to become at first, an Assistant District Attorney and be a resource for the office to provide an alternative perspective with cases. Hopefully, becoming a District Attorney or Judge where I can help fix any flaws in the Criminal Justice System. Ultimately, after working under the Honorable State Senator Liz Krueger, I would like to become a Senator of New York and advocate for Legislation that will help better the Latino Communities in New York State.
What are some of your hobbies? My favorite hobby is singing. One thing many people don’t know about me is that I am Classically/Operatically trained vocalist. I have had the opportunity to perform in 4 Operas while in High School and at my University. Growing up, I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Dutchess County Fair and at the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association’s Annual Dinner Dance.
How do you balance work and family life? Balancing Work and family life can be a difficult task but I am always reminded that there is always a time and place for everything. There is a time to work and there is a time to play.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? The most influential person in my life is my Mother. My Mother no matter what, has always been a big supporter for me, even when others were not. My Mother would always push me to achieve higher and to never settle for less than what I want. She has been the biggest investor in my education. She is the only person who I accept criticism from that actually has meaning and love attached with it.
What book are you currently reading? I am currently reading, Steve Job’s Biography by Walter Issacson & His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis.
What is your favorite quote? "It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." Franklin Delano Roosevelt