I grew up in a small city by the ocean on the jap aspect of Cuba. It was a easy, but fulfilling childhood, the place I spent my free time making jewellery from previous buttons, tending to my cactus assortment, and exploring the sand and waves. I attended the College of Havana, but it surely wasn’t till I moved to the U.S. and began my profession within the tech business as an online producer in Miami, Florida within the late 90s that I noticed I had develop into half of a bigger and extra numerous neighborhood.
My function again then was to create authentic content material and construct digital experiences for Latin America and the Hispanic viewers within the U.S. As I developed significant relationships with different Latino individuals and people in america with Latin American heritage, my social circle grew to become much more numerous, representing a variety of wealthy cultures. 5 years later, I moved to Redmond, Washington once I was employed by Microsoft to launch and lead MSN Latino, the Spanish model of MSN for the U.S. As soon as once more, my private id expanded, and I used to be in a position to expertise the distinction within the Hispanic demographic between the West and East Coast. Over time, my accent modified. My vocabulary modified. Regardless of the variations, I developed a deeper appreciation for what Hispanic individuals have in frequent: our shared household values, our sturdy work ethic, our traditions, and our sense of accountability. At present, I establish not solely as Cuban, however Latina and Hispanic American.
In 2012, I joined Xbox because the Director of Programming for the Latin American area. My staff was answerable for curating and publishing localized content material for our passionate Xbox viewers. The primary console launch I used to be a part of was the Xbox One. It was an exhilarating expertise to journey throughout Latin America and immediately join with avid gamers simply after the console’s launch. At present, I lead a multidisciplinary staff because the Normal Supervisor for Buyer Expertise with Microsoft Gaming. Subsequent 12 months, I’ll rejoice 20 years with Microsoft.
I’m proud to symbolize Latinas and ladies in management. Paving the best way as a foreign-born girl in a male-dominated business has been no simple job, however gratefully Microsoft has given me the chance to work with leaders who worth numerous views and who see my potential. I’m proud to be part of Xbox’s evolution from being a console-centric enterprise to a player-centric enterprise which has allowed us to convey the enjoyment and neighborhood of gaming to many extra gamers and communities around the globe exterior of the normal console markets. I’m additionally pleased with that little woman, exploring the nice and cozy shore in Cuba, who dared to dream massive desires.
I’m honored to rejoice Hispanic Heritage Month with Xbox. For me, this time is about celebrating our wealthy tradition as Hispanic and Latino individuals in America, whose id has modified and expanded to incorporate not solely our international locations of origin, however the identities of different Latin American cultures and American tradition as we’re woven collectively in a tapestry. It’s about elevating consciousness and recognizing the optimistic affect our neighborhood has made to the event and success of this nation. It’s about empowering content material creators to encourage genuine illustration by together with Hispanic contributors of their groups and getting suggestions from the neighborhood early within the course of. Lastly, it’s a fantastic alternative to point out the world how proud we’re to be a part of this superb neighborhood.
Listed here are just a few ways in which Workforce Xbox will probably be supporting Hispanic and Latino communities and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month:
GIVE
Gaming and Influence with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in america can present their help for Hispanic communities with Xbox by incomes and donating rewards factors. The organizations under will probably be featured on console:
- Hispanic Heritage Basis – HHF’s mission focuses on schooling, workforce, id, and social affect by way of the lens of management and tradition.
- Latinx in Gaming – connects Latinos throughout the gaming business, promotes cultural appreciation and illustration in video games/game-related content material, and gives a platform for the Hispanic neighborhood to raise one another and themselves.
- CARE – works across the globe to avoid wasting lives, defeat poverty, and obtain social justice in 100 international locations together with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Xbox avid gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards factors in varied methods, equivalent to taking part in or buying video games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn factors and redeem them for actual rewards. Be a part of us at this time and give with Xbox.Â
DISCOVER
Xbox Ambassadors Characteristic Tales about Hispanic Illustration in Gaming
For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Xbox Ambassadors staff requested Hispanic and Latino Ambassadors concerning the significance of seeing themselves represented in video games and the way it impacts their very own expertise as members of the gaming neighborhood.​​
Listed here are their tales.
Albert X (He/Him)Â
Puerto RicanÂ
Undoubtedly, Hispanic characters have made a mark in my gaming trajectory. I’ll always remember Dominic Santiago and Kait Diaz from the Gears franchise. Most not too long ago it gave me nice pleasure to see Mexico featured in the newest Forza Horizon 5. Moreover, I actually loved the Far Cry 6 soundtrack the place many artists from Puerto Rico are featured and the lead character even sings alongside to the songs whereas working automobiles.
I based Xbox Reside Puerto Rico in 2010. 12 years later we’re nonetheless going sturdy with a fantastic staff of Xbox Ambassadors directors giving our area people nice data, occasion protection, and help when wanted. Our important objective proper now’s to get Puerto Rico included within the Xbox Rewards Program so our neighborhood members can get pleasure from their factors and perks.
Storytelling Collection with Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory College students and Native Influencers
The US Xbox Advertising staff is partnering with college students from the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory in Los Angeles to create a sequence of movies showcasing and celebrating Hispanic and Latino artwork, meals, style, neighborhood, and esports. The aspiring BHAC college students will take part within the manufacturing and storytelling of native creatives together with Chef Wes Avila, President of the Players of Coloration Membership, Nyah Serrano, artist/muralist, Downtown Daniel, and style/graphic designer, Francisco Reyes, Jr (aka By no means Made) and can launch in early October.
Discover Video games Curated by Hispanic and Latino Communities at Microsoft
Video games present a singular type of storytelling and it’s highly effective to see and rejoice the contributions, achievements, and experiences that the Hispanic and Latino communities convey to gaming. Now, greater than ever, members of the Hispanic and Latino communities within the tech business are in a position to specific their very own private tales by way of video games. We’ll spotlight the voices that convey a wealthy and vibrant historical past to life by way of genuine storytelling and impressed creativity.​​​
​For Hispanic Heritage Month, we wish to spotlight Hispanic and Latino creators, lead characters, and video games impressed by the tradition and areas of the Hispanic and Latino communities around the globe. This assortment is obtainable on Xbox, Home windows, Cellular, and the Cloud year-round as a part of our ongoing work to create extra inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content material that resonates with communities whereas rising consciousness of their distinctive views and artistry.
Just a few highlights from the full Game Pass collection on Xbox and the full Game Pass collection on Windows include:
Moonglow Bay (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Moonglow Bay is beautifully art directed by Lu Nascimento, the co-founder of indie studio Bunnyhug Games, who identifies as a queer Brazilian. This cutesy game allows you to take on the role of a fisher and unravel a heartfelt story in a LGBTQIA+ friendly town. ​
Grim Fandango Remastered (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Inspired by the Mexican tradition of DĂa de los Muertos and Aztec folklore, this story centers around protagonist Manny Calavera’s adventures in the Land of the Dead. This adventure game also features voice talent and dialogue input from Latino actors, Tony Plana and Maria Canals-Barrera.​​
Spacelines from the Far Out (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Showcased at the 2021 Latinx Games Festival, Spacelines from the Far Out is a creative co-op game about managing airlines in space. This game was developed by Coffeenauts, an up-and-coming game design studio in Brazil driven by a passion for creating captivating games and a love of caffeine.​​
Dandy Ace (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – From Brazilian developer Mad Mimic, comes the tale of a flamboyant magician named Dandy Ace in a fast-paced roguelike adventure. Dandy Ace uses his magical cards to fight and loot his way out of imprisonment within a cursed mirror. ​​
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier (Available with Xbox Game Pass and Rated M) – Face the apocalypse as Javier “Javi” GarcĂa, a former baseball player on a mission to find his Cuban-American family. Decide how the story should play out in this narrative adventure as Javi teams up with Clementine in an attempt to survive long enough to rescue their respective families.​​
View this collection on the Microsoft Store on Xbox and the Microsoft Store on Windows in the United States. Visitors can find this collection at any time by searching within the Stores for “Hispanic,” “Latino,” and related terms.
New Gamerpics, Profile Theme, and Avatar Items
In partnership with Hispanic and Latino communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console and the Xbox PC app. Get your avatar items here.
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LatinExplorers: A Hispanic Heritage Journey
Minecraft Education partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation on a new Minecraft learning experience to inspire and equip students to become changemakers. LatinExplorers: A Hispanic Heritage Journey will build actionable leadership and social emotional skills with guidance by impactful real-life Hispanic leaders through three powerful narratives about climate, care, creativity, and community. Young learners explore how to connect personal passions with careers and workforce opportunities in the future digital economy. This content is available now in 29 languages in Minecraft: Education Edition and Bedrock via the Minecraft Marketplace.
Create Celebratory Photos and Liveries in Forza Horizon 5
Do you enjoy snapping in-game photos? Do you like creating unique livery designs for your virtual car collection? The Forza team invites you to share your creations that celebrate the environment and culture of the Horizon Festival in Mexico, honoring the real-world Mexican landmarks, nature, buildings, and art that can be explored in-game. These weekly photo and livery contests have specific sub-themes to inspire your creations:
Sept. 9 – Nature
Sept. 16 – Architecture
Sept. 23 – Art & Textiles
Sept. 30 – Horizon Stories
We’ll feature our favorite community creations on the official Forza Horizon accounts, and award in-game items to the winners of each weekly contest as well as to any and all participants who submit eligible creations! Here’s more information on how to participate.
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Xbox Plays Celebrates Hispanic CommunitiesÂ
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Xbox Plays will be dedicating much of our livestreaming content in September and October to Hispanic communities, featuring streamers/content creators! Follow us on the Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss any of the action!Â