When i was last here, we had about 100 members, and we are now, 2 years later, at 650 members. Damian wow. Anna yes. Damian and i mean, a lot of Community Events that you organize, youve empowered a lot of women since. Anna yes, and weve supported not only the National Equal Pay campaign, but most recently we supported Latina Equal Pay day, which was on november 2. The reason for that, on average women make about 20 less than men. Latinas, on the other hand, we make 46 less, so were very passionate about closing this wage gap. We worked with over 60 businesses nationwide. Many of them supported us in mountain view, so the chamber of commerce, like to give them a shoutout for supporting us and really bringing awareness to this wage gap among latinas. Damian all right, thats very interesting. And i mean, it takes a lot of work, and yall are doing it. Jenny, how proud are you just of the accomplishments, being one of the cofounders . Jenny salinas tremendously proud. I thinkwe share this story with our members that, honestly, i didnt even want to sign up the first time anna asked me as cofounder. And i laugh at myself now because i was the one that turned out to be, you know, the naysayer, and it was because i didnt connect to the word latina. But now that i look at the girls and i look at what we represent, were not just one type of latina, were so many different types. Were students, were professionals, were doctors, were administrative directors, were in healthcare communities. So, ive just seen such a growth and expansion with the girls, and im really proud of all of them. Damian i know that in a lot of these organizations, people who come in as introverts are developed into extroverts. Talk about do you see that in your organization . Jenny absolutely, we have an example of one latina that actually came to us and said, you know, i really think im ready. Im ready to ask for a raise. And we were like, lets do it, lets support you. And we helped coach her, practice interviewing. The return on your investment, just writing the documentation and saying, yes, you are an asset to your company, and you should ask for a raise, was something that, you knowand the truth of it is she got her raise. Damian thats awesome. Does that coincide with equal pay . I mean, youre constantly having to fight to be at par. Anna right, so, there is research to support that women dont ask for a raise or ask for more money as much as men do. So, really lean in latinas is leaning to how we can get more comfortable with asking for more money, how we can get more comfortable in taking risks, in getting to the csuite. But what i really love about the group, its a support group. So, we have members that are even in high school. And really the work there is to help to prevent teenage pregnancy. Latinas, we still have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy all the way to executives, as jenny mentioned. And so, were really leveraging the diversity of this group that really brings a lot of experience and passion towards what were doing. And essentially, weve become a movement. To go from a couple of people in my backyard 2 years ago to over 600 members, and not just here in the bay area. Weve got a group of 100 in new york city, north carolina, texas, and soon new mexico. So, we are experiencing a lot of success, but its really because of the passion that we have to help latinas in the current and future generation not just to get to the csuite, but maybe even the president of the United States. Damian thats great, its a force to be reckoned with. Theyre called lean in latinas. There is their web address for more information. Jenny, any final thoughts before we let you go . Jenny i would just say join us. I think that, you know, like i said, my story was that i struggled with does the word latina fit me . And i found out that it does. Our group really is just a support group for all of us. And so, you know, if youre worried, if youre fearful that i dont have the experience or i dont look the part, just come and join us, and youll see that were a bunch of fun girls to connect with. Damian i think just by your message and your work, youre empowering latinos as well, so thank you for what youre doing. Jenny thank you so much. Damian and up next here on comunidad del valle, wreaths across america. You want to stay tuned, stay with us. With me here on comunidad del valle are lieutenantcolonel jason noble from Santa Clara University rotc, and Nicolas Lozano landinez, a cadet also at Santa Clara University. Welcome to the show. Jason noble thanks for having us. Nicolas lozano landinez thank you. Damian well, tell us, first of all, about your role in rotc and what youre trying to accomplish. Jason yeah, absolutely. So, im the professor of military science at Santa Clara University. And that consists of cadets from santa clara, san jose state, stanford, and uc santa cruz. So, young men and women that want to join the army and come in as new lieutenants, new officers, come to our program. And we produce them, and commission them, and they go off and do great things. Damian is your goal to one day be a lieutenantcolonel as well . Nicolas absolutely, absolutely. Damian well, we have a great event. We haveour brothers over at msnbc shot some great video of this endeavor. Its called wreaths across america. Talk to us, lieutenantcolonel, about what this is all about and what youre doing here locally to honor our fallen veterans. Jason so, at los gatos Memorial Park on december 16, were going to have a great opportunity to lay out wreaths of all the veterans that are buried there. And this is going to be the first year that we do it there. We currently have 1500 wreaths that people have donated their money to, to purchase, and the communitys going to really come together on the 16th. Were going to have a beautiful ceremony, and different organizations and people are going to place these wreaths throughout the los gatos Memorial Park, and just really turn it into just a beautiful setting to honor these veterans. Damian are not enough of these ceremonies taking place, in your opinion, to honor our fallen veterans . Jason in my opinion, i think, one, it servestheres so many facets to this. We get to remember, we get to honor, and we also get to teach the next generation about what these americans from all ethnicities, from all races came together to accomplish for our nation. Right now, this is going to be the first year that we do it at los gatos. But weve gotten a great amount of support in the number of wreaths that we already have purchased. But wed like to see more, wed like to see more folks come out and join, and have the Community Come together. Damian all right, what inspires you, nicolas, one to wear the uniform, and to maybe be an officer one day . Nicolas absolutely, so, what most inspires me is my parents. They came from colombia, and i grew up in florida, and so the amount that the United States has given me as a country, and the amount that it has done for my family and families all across the nation over hundreds of years is really outstanding. So, thats what inspires me. And you know, the wreaths for america, what they talk about is remembering, honoring, and teaching. So, thats what our goal is with this event is to remember the fallenhonor the people who are currently, you know, living, and our veterans, and to teach the los gatos population, but also nationwide about what the military does for our communities and the nation. Damian personally, is west point right now an option for you, or what are you looking at right now . Nicolas no, no, im almostim graduating at stanford, yeah, im a senior. So, im almost done. Damian so, whats next for you . Nicolas im commissioning as an infantry officer in june. Damian your thoughts on the fact that your training has developed a gentleman like this . Jason well, i couldnt be more proud. We have over 80 cadets from all across the nation that come here to the San Jose Community to get their education, to become part of the community, and then to eventually serve our nation. Its a wonderful job. They inspire me, they give me energy. I have to get up and run with 18 to 22yearolds every morning, so its definitely damian thats inspiring. Jason its keeping me in shape, especially after thanksgiving. Damian all right. Jason but its a great experience, and it reallyit reenergizes your confidence in our nation when you see these young men and women. Damian you mentioned the next generation, and that fascinating video that we saw. Do you see that the next generation is embracing maybe more the service that youve provided for this country . Jason you know, i do. And i think theres a lot of skepticism out there until you do a job like this. And we also have high schools where we have junior rotc. And we get to see those young men and women. So, sometimes we listen to the news, or we listen to the things that are going on, and we lose a little bit of our confidence. But i would just invite people either to come down to the university, or to come to this great event on the 16th. And youll see, i believe, that the american spirit, and the spirit of giving, and the spirit of serving is still alive and well, especially here in san jose. Damian i dont know what it is, but when i see images like that, the video we showed and those similar to that, i get a lump in my throat, you know. Is it the american in you, or is it the fact that youre honoring someone who laid it on the line and, in some cases, paid the ultimate sacrifice for their flag . Jason no, its thinking about what they went through, some of thesenot by choice, some drafted from all walks of life, like i said earlier, all ethnicities. You know, men, women, they came together for a common purpose. And it does, i get the same reaction. And when i see the young men and women in our rotc program out there in the field training, you know, doing as well as they can in the classroom, i get that same lump that you do. And it kind of just reaffirms that confidence that i have. Damian i bet, again, your parents came from colombia, nicolas . Nicolas yes. Damian what are their thoughts on the fact that their son is wearing the american uniform . Nicolas well, theres definitely that level of, you know, being scared about the possibilities. But they also understand that this is what i want, and that its a representation of what were thankful for as a family. So, theyre not skeptic in terms of my service, but they are definitely just nervous. But i also believe that theyre very proud. Damian and i mean, the military doesnt lie to you when youre enlisting, when you sign up. And i mean, i was at camp roberts when they were deploying National Guardsmen and women to the middle east. I was shocked to see that there and then, theyre signing their last will and testament. And thats a reality, right . I mean, thats something that you know that is a possibility, its something you have to do, and its something youre willing to do. Nicolas absolutely, and its something you think about often. But just like many things in life, you know, what can you do about those types of situations . You know, you hold the people that you have in your life close, and you do what you want to do with your life. And if you can do that thenand thats what you want to do, then you know, theres really nothing else worth living for. Damian thats great, well put. Again, its wreaths across america, its happening here in the south bay. Theres the information, december 16 at 11 a. M. At los gatos Memorial Park. There is the web address for more information. Ill be there in honoring our veterans as well. Any final thoughts, lieutenantcolonel, before we let you go . Jason no, i just want everyone to come out. I want it to be a chance for the community to come together. And i want to keep this tradition going. So, hopefully well see you this time next year, and well be talking about all the wreaths we have out there. Thank you so much for having us. Damian thank you very much. And up next here on comunidad del valle, the new Mexican Consul general right here in san jose. Stay with us. Hi, were alaska airlines. But were all over california. So you can power lunch in la. Ink the deal in san jose. And bask in the glory in palm springs. Over 90 daily nonstops in california. Alaska airlines. Thats how we fly. Over 90 daily nonstops in california. Of san jose and surrounding counties. Juan Manuel Calderon is my guest here. [speaking in foreign language] a graduate of unam. Welcome to the show, sir. Juan Manuel Calderon thank you very much. Damian and welcome to the south bay. Your thoughts, first. Youve only been here a few weeks, what are your thoughts on juan manuel i have 3 weeks in san jose, the city of the silicon valley. Its a beautiful city. And we have many, many things to do in this beautiful city. We cover four counties. This is the Mexican Consulate, but you know, we have 15 Mexican Consulates around the United States. In california, we have ten Mexican Consulates, but i am proud to be in this beautiful city. Damian and youvei mean, your diplomatic duties have taken you across this country. Youve been in seattle, youve been in different parts of this country. Juan manuel yes, and my first assignment was in seattle, washington, in 1992, long time ago. My son was born in seattle. Damian is that right . Juan manuel my second was in san bernardino, california, my little daughter born in california. And then i was in mexico city, i was in caracas, venezuela; miami, florida; chicago, illinois, and the last assignment was in tucson, arizona. Damian are they the same needs, the same needs in those different parts of the country, or is every region a little different . Juan manuel well, every Mexican Consulate has similar characteristics, but its a different work. For example, if you are at the border, at the Mexican Consulate, the border in tucson, its different work that you have in san jose. Its more protection at the mexican border, and here its more issues of consular service. Damian and so, the president says, i need you to go to this other city, and the senator approves your assignment. You dont have a choice, youre going. Juan manuel yes, i have to. I belong to the Mexican Foreign affairs. Damian okay, office of foreign affairs. Juan manuel yes, ifi dont know, if the president says, you have to go to china, i have to go to china. But they decided to send me to san jose, i think its a very good decision. Damian i think its for both of us. How much do you miss mexico, though, to live there and to smell the smell . cause its ai mean, you land at the Benito Juarez airport, and its a completely different smell, its a smell of culture, its a beautiful scent. Juan manuel we miss many things. I miss my little granddaughters. I have two granddaughters. But you know, my job is to be here, i have to be here. I enjoy everything in mexico, but also i enjoy it in any place in the world. If you belong to the Mexican Foreign affairs, you have to, how do you say, to enjoy your job, to help the people, to give the best for the mexicans as a mexican citizen. Damian what is your vision for your office here . I know, again, its only been 3 weeks and youre still trying to look around and assess and see whats working and what might need a little tweaking. But whats your vision for your office . Juan manuel my vision is to cover all the Mexican Consular services for my community, to give the Quality Service to the Mexican Community and the foreign community. Like, the american citizen, they want to go to mexico to do some business, or to work or study, to give the best that we can do at the Mexican Consulate. Damian youve sat around, ive seen a lot of pictures, you were getting around. Youve been to radio stations and newspapers, and youve met news directors and everybody else. How important is that to be able to hit the ground running and meet the people who youre going to be dealing with . Juan manuel and whats important is they have to know that the Mexican Consulate is in san jose, and we have to work with anybody, in any ways, political, tourist, do commercial promotion, and for the most important to give the protection to the mexican citizen in this special area. Damian all right, well, the Mexican Consulate is in south san jose. There is the address and the phone number for more information. Well be back with the senor consul general. Stay with us. In san jose, senor juan Manuel Calderon. Youre having a saturday conference coming up, jornada sabatina. Tell us what the purpose of that is, what youre trying to accomplish. Juan manuel well, this we call jornada sabatina, we are going to give all services, the Consular Services that we have. For example, if you have a son or girl, theyre born in the United States, they want to get the mexican citizenship, they can get it in this, in the Mexican Consulate. Either you want to get a mexican passport or mexican matricula id, we can get it done. We have many, many things to do the 16th, the saturday. I am going to give some information about all the services that we have in this occasion. Damian your office is very busy because i see the twitter posts, i see the facebook posts. Youre working early in the morning, late in the evening, youre working on saturdays. How vital is it to be able to provide that service . Because i mean, a lot of our paisanos, theyre working until, you know, the late hours, theyre working on saturdays sometimes, so i guess youre trying to extend those hours to services. Juan manuel well, let me say that, for example, we have what we call consulado mobil. We go to, like, salinas. We go until saturday, on sunday, we give you the service to provide the Mexican Community. We have to work, we have to give all services to the Mexican Community to know that we can they can reach us to get the consular service. Damian talk about your commitment to your conacionales, your paisanos, and the fact that maybe if they come into your office, your office as a consulado, theyre the priority, theyre first. Its whatever their needs are, and your staff is there to assist them. Juan manuel yes, of course. Yes, the idea is if you went to the Mexican Consulate, you are a mexican citizen or you are american citizen, you go for something. The idea is if you want to get something from the Mexican Consulate, like matricula consular, a mexican passport, or you want to know how to do business in mexico as an american citizen, we can help you. The idea is to give the best service for everybody who goes to the Mexican Consulate. Its my vision, its my target to give the Quality Service to the people who go to the Mexican Consulate. Damian we talked toweve had your predecessor here many times before. And his duties kind of changed after the president ial election in this country. It was more invigorated. Talk about maybe how busier the consulates across the nation have been since the election of our new president here in this country. Juan manuel well, i think that all the consularMexican Consular in the United States, we keep it busy all the time, especially when we have a new a new administration in the United States, for everybody, for anything, but especially for protection of the Mexican Community. We have to go to where the people work, we have to work where the people study, we have to work for anything. We have a program to visit mexican citizens in jail or at the hospital. But we keep busy all the time, but especially when we have a newthe new administration. We have to see what happens our people. Damian how important is it to get that message from the mexican president to the different consular offices and say, heres some money you need tofor your legal defense, if you will, of our conacionales in the United States . I mean, because what the president didwhat the mexican president did after our election here, he threw resources and he ordered the consulates that dont forget about their mission is that the mexicanos are foremost. Juan manuel yes, we have this kind of special program, but before we have similar programs, but today we give you more budget for covering this kind of service that we have already. Damian you haveis your family here . Because i know that since youre traveling and all, you say your grandchildren are still in mexico . Do you have some family here, or how does that work . I know its difficult. Juan manuel not right now. My wife is in mexico city. I live in san jose alone, but they are going to come in to visit, and maybe they are going to live in san jose. Damian all right. What is it that you miss most . Is it tacos ola, is it el tenampa, or is it cicero, what is it that what restaurant do you miss most in mexico city . Juan manuel my house. Damian ¿verdad que si . Well, its great. Any final thoughts from you in being in this new assignment as a new Mexican Consul general here in these four counties that you cover . Juan manuel i saywould like to say thank you, damian, for this kind invitation, and to explain to the people that we have to work very hard for them. Damian all right, again, the Mexican Consulate is on enzo drive here in south san jose, right next to el queso mexicano. You see that big building over in south san jose, and there is the web address for more information, the phone number so you can call so you can get a hold of el consulado general de mexico right here in san jose. Is iti know its not up to you, is it like a 2 or 3 year assignment, or does that all depend . Juan manuel well, let me say my last assignment was in tucson, arizona. I was there for 9 years. Damian nine, wow. Juan manuel yes, but usually there are in between 2 and 4 years. Damian all right. Well, bienvenido. Juan manuel gracias. Damian welcome here, gracias, okay. And now, heres whats happening on your comunidad on que pasa. Damian and our saludos to those celebrating a special day, felicidades. Damian here is our contact information. You can follow me on twitter, my handle is newsdamian. Also, pick up a copy of El Observador newspaper and support your bilingual weeklies all across the bay area. Also, watch us on Telemundo Canal 48 every sunday at 11 a. M. , your comunidad del valle in espanol on telemundo channel 48. We thank you once again for sharing a part of your sunday with us on comunidad del valle. Well see you once again here next week. Pase usted and super bowl lii on nbc. Announcer welcome to the u. S. Bank nbc sports report. We will get you out to the hero world challenge in a moment on this championship sunday. Starstudded field. Eight of the top ten in the world. Should be a fun and exciting final round. Hey there, im brian bird. Get you out tot bahamas in just a moment but first lets get caught up to date on everything elha