Tuesday, July 22, 2008

“LITTLE MISS CEO” by Shelbie Bruce

Words will never do justice to the unbelievable news I’m about to tell you. Here is the true definition of “perseverance”. I just shot a Pilot Presentation that has been in the works for the past 3 years. Here again is another example of “WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY”. I was approached by this team of writers and producers about a year after “Spanglish” with a script for a movie. The team allowed me to conduct the meeting in an office where I was asked to sit behind the desk as if I was a big shot. At the age of 13, I sure did. Well, I came prepared after reading the script, with very detailed comments about the likes and dislikes I had, of the movie. My parents, brother, agents and the movie’s writers, where all in there just listening. At the end of the meeting the writers thanked me for the meeting and as they were walking out, I guess in awe of my professionalism and preparation to not only being able to answer all their questions but, to give my input on the matter, an idea came to them. Three or four weeks later, my parents and I received a draft for a Pilot Idea called “Little Miss CEO”. We thought it was a very good idea, sent our comments and forgot about it, like you have to do in Hollywood. Earlier this year, almost three years after our initial meeting, to our surprise and shock, we heard from them again. They were not only ready with a full script but, they were also ready to shoot a Pilot Presentation.
Later on I will give you more details on the project. Right now, we are in post production and I’m not at liberty to say much, but, stay tuned for more, OK.

God bless you all and Dream Big!!!

Visit: Shelbie Bruce Official Website

Monday, July 21, 2008

Foundation News

Hispanic Heritage Awards October 9th
Jul 09, 2008

The 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards will be held October 9, 2008 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. Artists, celebrities, visionaries, community activists and business leaders will be honored at the event, which has come to be known as the most prestigious Hispanic honor and event in the United States.

“For 22 years, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation has recognized leadership, creativity and vision – attributes that continue to move our diverse and vibrant community forward,” said Dr. Pedro José (Joe) Greer, Jr., Chairman of the Board and a past Hispanic Heritage Awards Honoree. “We are proud to celebrate the best of America through our Honorees and inspire the next generation of leaders and role models through our year-round programs. October 9 promises to be a very special evening in Washington in the tradition of past celebrations.”

Last year’s Honorees included: Cong. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) for Education; Actress and Activist Rosario Dawson for Vision; Seismologist Dr. Ines Cifuentes for Math and Science; Hall of Fame Baseball Legend Tony Perez for Sports; and the Cast of Love in the Time of Cholera for the Arts, which included Director Mike Newell and Actors Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Hector Elizondo, Javier Bardem, Ana Claudia Talancón, Oscar-Nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Laura Harring. This year promises to be an even greater celebration.

Visit www.hispanicheritage.org

HHF Honors Leadership in Public & Private Sectors & Media

The Inspira Award was created to honor Latino leaders who inspire youth in the public and private sector, and in the media. Last year’s Inspira Awardee was Actor Wilmer Valderrama. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa and Exxon Mobil CEO and Chairman, Rex Tillerson were honored on Capitol Hill during the 11th Annual Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards in Washington, D.C., which also recognized more than 20 outstanding students from the region. CSI Miami Star Adam Rodriguez was honored with the Inspira Award at the 2008 National Youth Awards, held in Kansas City, MO, for serving as a role model to Latino youth in the public eye.

“The Inspira Award recognizes those who have taken a leadership role in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for Hispanic youth,” said Tijerino. “We commend Rex Tillerson for his vision in encouraging and facilitating young Latinos to focus on science, technology, math and engineering through our Youth Awards and countless other efforts including the National Math and Science Initiative. We applaud the lifetime of commitment of Rep. Hinojosa who is our champion from barrios to Capitol Hill on the issue of increasing educational opportunities for Latinos. And we thank Adam Rodriguez for being a positive role model, both on and off screen. These individuals are truly an inspiration.”

To read more: http://www.hispanicheritage.org/press_news.php?id=136

Introducing Shelbie Bruce

Hi Everyone!!!!

Welcome to my first blog. I’m Shelbie Bruce best know for my role as Cristina in the Movie “Spanglish”. I was 12 years old back then and have changed a bit since then. My goals and dreams have changed as I’m more aware of the world I live in. Reason why I felt the need to accept the great honor of being able to blog for you all. When I was younger my motivation for life, aside form God and my parents, was my acting. All I could think of was the next audition or job I was going to get or prepare for. After being invited to several charity events as a guest speaker, presenter, celebrity, etc…, I realized that acting was just the medium for a much bigger and exiting picture, a picture that would allow me to dream big and believe in myself so that I could motivate and inspire others to follow in my foot steps. I know I’m only 15 years old but, I can tell you that age should not restrict any one who wants to dream big.

Yes, I am an actress who has realized that acting is the venue to be able to touch other’s lives and hopefully you reading this blog will motivate you to “ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS”. I would like to close by sharing my favorite quote that my parents have always told my brother Robby and I. “WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY. JUST TRUST IN GOD AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF”.

Visit: www.shelbiebruce.com

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Staples Foundation for Learning Announce Continued Collaboration and Recognition of Teachers

Staples Foundation for Learning Demonstrates Ongoing Support of Educational Leaders Making a Difference in the Latino Community

WASHINGTON -- The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national non-profit organization that identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce, today announced the renewal of a $100,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS). This year, SFFL's support will fund the second annual Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award, an award that acknowledges influential teachers across the country for making a positive impact on the lives of Latino youth and inspiring students to reach their full potential even in the face of great challenges. Since 2006, SFFL has provided HHF with $200,000 in support of their Latino education programs.

To read more: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2008_July_9/ai_n27894383

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hispanics To Play Key Role in November Elections

July 14, 2008
David Squires

America's largest ethnic minority, the diverse Hispanic community, finds itself in an important strategic position for the 2008 presidential election. Voting as a unified bloc, the community can provide the swing votes that land hotly contested states -- and perhaps the White House -- into the hands of either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party.

Hispanic leaders say they want straight talk and details on issues key to Hispanic people from both presumptive nominees, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain."For the first time, politicians are going to realize that what they say about the Hispanic community is very important," said Mavel Velasco, president of the Hispanic Leadership Forum, a nonprofit organization in Hampton Roads that brings together Hispanic leaders to exchange ideas and information. "I'm not saying Hispanics will vote as a bloc; they are not monolithic.

To read more: http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2008/7/14/hispanics_look_to_play_key_role.htm

Foundation News

National Youth Awards Recipients Announced

The 2008 National Youth Awardees were selected from 10,000 applicants and more than 250 regional recipients from across the United States. Each National Youth Awards recipient will receive a total of $8,000 in educational grants, a laptop computer, and a trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be recognized on stage at the star-studded 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC on October 9, 2008.

The National Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients in the seven categories are:

Academic Excellence: Marcus Andrew Garcia of Turlock, California – Turlock Christian High School, presented by the Sprint Foundation

Business: Yadira Torres of San Antonio, Texas - South San West Campus High School, sponsored by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs

Education: Raquel Goya of Phoenix, Arizona – Pinnacle High School, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, which is also the Official Airline of the Youth Awards

Engineering and Mathematics: Cynthia Reyna of Houston, Texas - Charles H. Milby High School, sponsored by ExxonMobil

Health and Science: Grecia Margarita Gonzalez of La Puente, California – Nogales High School, sponsored by AstraZeneca

Journalism: Albert Matthew Parisi-Esteves of Rochester, New York – Brighton High School, sponsored by NBC Universal/Telemundo

Leadership: Nicolas Esteban Mendoza of Alpine, California – Steele Canyon Charter High School, sponsored by Sallie Mae ,which is also the Official Student Loan Partner of the Youth Awards

Sports: Sara Louise Egozi of Miami, Florida – Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School, sponsored by SUBWAY® Restaurants


To read more visit: www.Hispanicheritage.org