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Refinery29
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Watching Becky G Embrace Her Gray Hair Helped Me Change How I See Mine
When Becky G recently went on TikTok and revealed weeks' worth of grown out grays down the front and middle parts of her hair, I realized something: I couldn't think of ever seeing another Latina celebrity around my age admit she has gray hairs. As the 28-year-old Mexican-American singer sarcastically talked about her 'old age' and being a 'viejita,' at least in the eyes of TikTok's generally younger user base, she tilted her bouncy hair downward and ran her fingers through silvery strands. 'No, I do not care that my canas are showing,' Becky says in the video. 'It's natural. I call them my sparkles and so I need my sparkle gang to pull up, because I know I'm not the only one that doesn't just feel bonita but is 'stressita' too.' As a graying brunette, this helped me feel seen. I found my first silver strand in middle school and have been begrudgingly dying my grays since college. I found solace while scrolling through the thousands of comments on Becky G's video as countless other people commented 'sparkle gang,' shared their graying stories, and even replied with photos of themselves letting their grays grow out as well. ' "No, I do not care that my canas are showing. It's natural. I call them my sparkles, and so I need my sparkle gang to pull up." becky g ' 'Found my first gray at 14 years old,' Becky G wrote in her caption. 'Could be that I am the eldest daughter of a Mexican-American household, started working at 9, the fight-or-flight response, which involves the release of norepinephrine, can contribute to hair graying, simply genetics, or ALL OF THE ABOVE. No pues como que no voy a tener canas guys, like be for real.' It's 2025 and still rare to see Latina celebrities open up publicly about having gray hair, let alone a Gen Z star like Becky G. In a Vogue 'Beauty Secrets' interview, actress Salma Hayek also recently shared that at 58 years old, she doesn't dye her hair. But when she does want to tame her 'rebellious' grays, she swipes on some Benefit's Roller Lash mascara. Latina creators like Heren Mercedes, behind Silver Curls, and Kat Lovelis are also making content to help other women embrace their grays at any age. Yet we know the burden on women to maintain youthful appearances isn't limited to Hollywood or the online world. The stigma held toward Latina with gray hair permeates across age, income, and the many cultures that comprise Latine identity. Latine beauty standards generally mirror, if not amplify, Western societal ideals, which discourage women from displaying any visible signs of aging. It's not surprising women feel pressure to conform, given studies have found that women with gray hair are more likely to be perceived as less trustworthy and are likelier to experience ageism. These factors indicate that there's a social cost of not following beauty norms, explains Katie M. Duarte, a postdoctoral fellow in Latinx Studies at Smith College and researcher on the natural hair movement among Dominican women. ' "Latine beauty standards generally mirror, if not amplify, Western societal ideals, which discourage women from displaying any visible signs of aging." zameena mejia ' 'Because gray hair is associated with being 'old' and, therefore, supposedly incompetent or undesirable, women with gray hairs are socially encouraged to dye their silver strands for a youthful appearance to combat these stereotypes. This is true regardless of race or ethnicity, as many women deal with the beauty standard and social pressures of appearing young,' Duarte shares. 'Women who forgo dying their gray hairs report that others consider them less competent in the workplace, more physically fragile, and less attractive. For some women, the decision of dying their gray strands comes from personal choice and preferences, while for others it is about avoiding these social stigmas of 'letting go' of their beauty and feeling socially invisible and, therefore, socially irrelevant.' Duarte also calls attention to the role the media plays in reinforcing these standards. While beauty standards vary across Latine communities, generally, the ideal beautiful hair look for Latinas is understood as dark or blonde, long, straight or wavy (but not kinky), and it should be obviously styled, looking feminine and distinct from men's hair. Think: Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Karol G, Shakira, and Selena Gomez. While dominant beauty standards will continue to privilege straight over kinky textures and presumably youthful, dark or blonde hair over gray hair, Duarte notes that the growth of the natural hair movement — in which some Latinas, especially Afro-Latinas, are accepting their naturally kinky, curly, or wavy hair — and moments of vulnerability from celebrities and influencers can help other Latinas accept their graying hair. ' "Because gray hair is associated with being 'old' and, therefore, supposedly incompetent or undesirable, women with gray hairs are socially encouraged to dye their silver strands for a youthful appearance to combat these stereotypes." Katie M. Duarte ' 'For Latinas that have embraced their natural hair, many have also wanted to stay away from chemically altering hair treatments, like hair dye,' Duarte says. 'I believe there will be more Latinas accepting their naturally graying hair as those in the natural hair movement age into gray and silver strands.' In Becky G's TikTok, she added that viewers might notice her grays in videos because covering her grays was expensive, time consuming, and because, ultimately, they are natural. When she asked others to chime in if they also have gray hair, one commenter, Annette Greenham, left a photo of herself — smiling while rocking long, styled gray hair — and wrote that she started getting gray hairs as a kid. 'I started growing gray hair in elementary school. I felt embarrassed that I had them at a very young age,' Greenham tells Refinery29 Somos. While growing up in a multigenerational Mexican household, she saw her family members covering and dying their gray hair every few weeks, but no one ever explicitly talked about it. As an adult, she started dying her hair almost every two weeks as she felt the pressure to maintain her look for holidays and get-togethers. But in 2022, she saw people grow out their hair due to the Covid-19 lockdown conditions and she decided to let hers grow out as well. 'I feel so much better now that I let my gray hair grow out. My mom has now even started to let hers grow out, too,' Greenham says. 'I am happy with the decision of growing out my grays and I get a lot of compliments.' We spoke with five additional Latina women who shared their journey toward accepting their own gray hair, how they have overcome cultural norms, and how this decision has impacted their relationships with loved ones and themselves. Jacqueline Cordero, 34, California I was around 12 years old when I became aware of my grays. Middle school was really stressful, but my mom reassured me it was my Puerto Rican father's genetics. There weren't many, but they definitely stood out against my long dark hair. Students and even teachers pointed them out. As I grew older, they showed up more. While I was in high school, I was no stranger to a straightening iron and quickly learned my grays were unruly. I could never really control them. Then in my 20s, as I began a career and real adult life, I had a mix of my hereditary grays and my stress-induced grays. Society told me grays were a sign of stress and age and something worth hiding. My mother would always encourage me, saying they were gifts of wisdom. Still, she was influenced by U.S. beauty standards. Her face card has always been incredible, but societal pressures prevailed when it came to covering her grays. She allowed me to color my hair for fun, and even though covering her grays was a must, she never put that expectation on me for my grays. As I'm navigating my new identity in motherhood and my 30s, I've thought about covering them up in an attempt to look more youthful. I'm grateful for my Trinidadian and Puerto Rican genes for prolonging wrinkles and other signs of aging, but the grays have become their own entity within my hair. My grays symbolize my heritage, my family. They represent all the growth I've made in my life. They are a reminder that I'm right where I need to be and showing up how I need to. Anyuli Ramos Lopez, 33, Texas The first time I noticed I had gray hair was around senior year of college. I was 22. At first, I was embarrassed and in denial that I was graying early. I would pluck them out, dye my hair, or just style my hair differently to cover it up. Straight out of college, I started teaching in rural Texas and our salary was not one to be envied. I was paying rent, bills, and bought a new car. I would go to a salon to get my roots dyed every six-to-nine weeks because of how fast my hair grew out and the price each time was $90. I tried to box dye my hair to help with the cost, but that was damaging my hair. Around the summer of 2019, I decided to embrace it and grow out my grays. I went to a salon and dyed a part of my hair that grew out platinum blonde so that it could 'blend,' and when Covid-19 hit, I just let it grow out. Even to this day, my 83-year-old grandmother still dyes her hair to hide her grays. My grandfather on my paternal side had a head full of grays, so when mine started growing out, my father would call them brillos. He was proud that I had inherited this from his side of the family. I lost my father back in 2020 to the pandemic, and I feel as though my hair is a part of him that I can carry with me every day. I've come to truly love my grays. It symbolizes my individuality and how much I have grown in my own self-confidence. I'm not going to lie, I do smile and feel 'cool' when I get compliments from strangers. I love that I have used less chemicals on my hair, so my natural curls and waves have been able to come back. Kat Lovelis, 30, North Carolina I noticed my first gray strands at 15 years old. I immediately yanked them out because I didn't want to feel old. Growing up, I didn't really hear much about gray hair because my mom would always dye her hair. The ladies in my family would encourage me to cover mine up. I guess they didn't want to look old, and that pressure passed on to me, too. That sent an unspoken message that gray wasn't something to be shown. I grew up watching my dad have full gray hair, but he would cover it up, too. My mom always dyed her hair. No one really embraced it. I started going gray at 29 after I decided I no longer wanted to keep covering them up. At first, I didn't like them, but as they grew longer, I started to love the salt and pepper look. Now, my family loves my gray hair and it has inspired my mom and sister to let their gray hair grow out. To me, my gray hair symbolizes loving all of me, even the parts that used to make me feel insecure. It's a daily reminder to accept myself fully and not feel like I have to hide or change to be beautiful. I love that celebrities like Becky G and Salma Hayek are embracing their grays and encouraging others to do the same. Embracing my gray hair has helped me gain so much confidence. I used to feel embarrassed and try to hide them but now, I show them off proudly. They're part of who I am. Samantha Carranza, 32, Texas When I got my first couple of gray hairs at 28, I felt so confused. At 30, I noticed more grays coming in. I started to feel insecure when I realized I couldn't pull my hair back without the grays being noticeable. As a little girl, I noticed my grandmother always dying her hair to cover up her grays. I never heard her complaining about it, but my grandmother never exposed her grays in public. My mother now does the same. Looking back, I think witnessing my abuelita and my mami dye their grays had influenced me to want to do the same. I recently got my hair professionally done and instead of covering my grays up completely, like I have in the past, I decided to blend in my grays with a new hairstyle. I had every intention to get my hair done and cover up my grays, but Becky G's TikTok post really inspired me and made me feel less alone. I want to break the cycle by embracing my grays. It symbolizes strength and resilience. It reminds me of being a mother and of going through difficult seasons but still pushing through. I want to be able to inspire other women to love themselves completely. I have vivid memories as a little girl of when my great grandmother would visit from Mexico and I would brush her hair or run my fingers through her beautiful thick white hair. I want one day for my granddaughter to run her fingers through my hair. Dulce Maria Rodriguez, 32, Texas The first time I noticed I had gray hair I was around 17 years old. I would pluck them out of embarrassment. Around the age of 20, it started to get more noticeable and no one in my family embraced it. Funnily enough, even my dad covered his gray hair. I started dying my hair black or dark red with box dye at home because it's all I could afford. My parents didn't understand why I dyed it, even though they did the same thing. Growing up in a Latine household, I was told gray hair was caused by stress. But I never understood why I was getting gray hair so young if I wasn't feeling stressed. Looking back, I realize all of the pressure I was under as a kid and understand I had grown used to underlying stress for things such as always needing to translate for my parents and getting scolded for not understanding everything. Hearing, 'Entonces para qué vas a la escuela!' At 21, I took a more subtle approach to my gray hair. Instead of dying it one color, I incorporated highlights to blend with my grays. At first it was a style that was 'in,' but as time went on I started embracing it. Now, I feel like I have broken a cycle. Embracing my gray hair has been a journey. I am now 32 and I don't feel like I need to be embarrassed about my hair. I am lucky to be able to enhance it with the help from my hairstylist, but I feel empowered now. I wish younger me was as open about her struggles with gray hair as I am now, but I feel like it's just the way we as women are. My advice to younger generations is to be open about your feelings about getting gray hair. It's valid to feel insecure and the emotions have to be felt, but it's hair. Speak to your family members and believe them when they say it isn't a big deal because we are all headed to gray hair at some point, but a few of us get our sparkle sooner.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3 in 4 Latine Moms Struggle To Express Their Needs—Here's Why It's So Hard
A new study from Philips Avent and March of Dimes finds cultural nuances that Latine parents face. Here's what can help. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Becoming a new parent in the modern era has become synonymous with feeling burned out and overwhelmed for many moms. While this is nothing new, a study from Philips Avent, in partnership with March of Dimes, uncovers a disconnect between postpartum moms and their support systems. In an effort to reimagine the proverbial village that helps raise a child, the data in this study finds that although 90% of people say they would help a parent of an infant/toddler if asked, 6 in 10 moms say it's difficult to express their needs, especially when it comes to emotional and mental health. While postpartum moments are meant to be filled with joy and celebration, this study highlights the profound emotional and physical challenges moms face, often quietly and alone. It also finds cultural nuances behind the numbers. The study reveals that Latine moms, in particular, face the most challenges when it comes to support with 3 in 4 saying it's difficult to express their needs, and half experiencing feelings of guilt and shame. 'The data reveals that postpartum Latina moms are navigating unique emotional challenges,' says Ali Rodriquez, MD, an OB-GYN and new mom. 'These numbers are higher than the general population and highlight how much of the emotional burden they carry silently. It's a clear signal that while the love may be there, the support often isn't reaching them in the way they need it most.' Why Latine Moms Struggle To Express Their Needs Much of it comes down to cultural norms. 'Within many Latinx communities, values such as humility, sacrifice, and strength are deeply ingrained,' says Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, a licensed therapist, host of the Free to Be Mindful podcast, and mom of two. 'As we grow, we're often taught to prioritize the needs of others above our own, with self-sacrifice seen as a virtue and a source of pride.' Dr. Rodriguez agrees that pride in being able to handle things independently plays a big role in Latine families. 'Motherhood is no exception,' she says. 'I definitely felt this immense pressure to keep it all together. As a first-time mom, I occasionally felt that asking for help made me appear weak to my family and friends.' She notes that there's also an unspoken pressure to not 'burden' others or speak openly about mental health struggles. 'That silence, paired with a lack of structural support, often leaves Latina moms trying to do it all alone,' Dr. Rodriguez adds. As a professional mom coach, Guzman says it's not uncommon for new moms to internalize the emotional weight of motherhood as a personal shortcoming, especially after watching their own mothers and grandmothers model strength without speaking openly about their struggles. 'They may feel they're 'doing it wrong' simply because they're struggling, and continue to take care of their families while quietly neglecting their emotional well-being,' she points out. How Latine Moms Can Get Help While cultural dynamics can have a massive impact on new moms, it's important to emphasize the benefits of support in one's postpartum journey. Along with easing the transition into this new role of motherhood, research shows support helps maintain mental well-being and can help prevent postpartum depression. Organizations like Postpartum Support International offer professional resources and support in both English and Spanish, and Amiga Moms, which Guzman founded in 2018, provides 'culturally attuned support to help women rediscover their identity beyond motherhood, while teaching mindfulness and mental wellness strategies so they don't have to lose themselves in the process of caring for everyone else.' Dr. Rodriguez adds that it's important to remind moms that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a form of strength. 'Whether it's leaning on a trusted friend, joining a local mom group, checking in with your OB, or seeking virtual communities where they feel seen and understood, small steps can create meaningful connections,' she explains. If you're looking to support a postpartum mom in your life, simple acts of kindness like checking in on your friend or even offering to help with meals can make a world of difference. New parents need good intentions and real support; ask what they need and be open and willing to listen. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
28 Two-Piece Outfits That You'll Practically Live In This Summer
A downright glamorous pleated button-down set that'll have you looking like you just "walked out of a Gucci magazine," as one reviewer said. It's giving luxury, and I need it as badly as SpongeBob needed water at Sandy's house. A super fun crop top and skirt set, so cute, you'll wanna sleep in it rather than take it off. Soak up the sun and all the compliments you're gonna receive in this lovely little number. A chic as heck two-piece set (oop, a rhyme) that'll have you looking as cute as the buttons on the long-sleeve shirt. This outfit is the moment, and you may almost tear up on that dreaded day when you have to put away your summer clothes, cuz you'll miss wearing this so much. A midi dress and cardigan set so stunning, you'll be stopped every five minutes with questions about where you got it. Rebdolls is a Latine- and woman-owned small biz that makes clothes with plenty of bold colors and fun it from Rebdolls for $79.90 (available in sizes S–5X). A ruffly puff-sleeve top and midi skirt duo that's almost too cute to be true. Throw it on and feel like Rapunzel did when she finally left her castle with Flynn Rider. A cutie patootie top-and-pants set because looking fabulous is this outfit's specialty. And by the look of these review pics, this 'fit does so with ease. Promising review: "I absolutely love my black and white striped set, and so did everyone else. I was cool and fashionably comfy on date night. Material was lightweight and fit well. Will buy again!" —Chun LiGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and 17 colors). A totally adorable button-down halter and shorts set you'll definitely need a zillion pics in. This set will have you actually looking forward to doing laundry, just so you can wear it again. Get it from Cider for $49.90 (available in sizes 2–10 and two colors). A knit lounge set that'll allow you to look as fashionable as possible *and* as cozy as possible. This 'fit is like comfort met style and had a baby. Promising review: "Feels like pajamas, looks expensive. 10/10 recommend this set! Very happy I got it, and a great price point for two pieces. Breathable, but high-quality material. Extremely comfy! Can be dressed up or down. Looks like something you'd find at Nordstrom for $170. I'm 5'3" and wearing a medium, and the pants aren't too long, high-waisted also." —Baylee RGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 12 colors).And check out this similar style for plus sizes (available in sizes L–4XL and 13 colors). A fabulous V-neck crop top and pants set you'll never wanna *not* have for vacation. I mean, imagine you on the streets of Cabo, wind in your hair, all eyes on you in this 'fit. A soooo dang darling halter top and matching capri pants guaranteed to be your favorite look of summer 2025. Now we can all confirm that love at first sight is real because how could you not be head over heels over this? 😍 Get it from Outcast: the top for $95 (available in sizes XS–XL) and the pants for $105 (available in sizes XXS–XL). A flowy tube top and pants set you'll quickly become obsessed with. And, I mean, who could blame you? This baby is chic, fashionable, and stunning. 10's across the board. Promising review: "My favorite outfit! This outfit is so cute! Fits perfectly, doesn't wrinkle badly, it's so comfy, and has a little stretch! The material isn't too thin or too thick! You can dress it up or down! Definitely a summer outfit!" —HeatherGet it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 9 colors). A chic duster-and-shorts set to wear to all the summer brunches you have planned. This baby honestly deserves to be on a yacht drinking champagne. It def gives high-end luxury. Promising review: "This outfit is so cute!! When I wore it on our couples trip, the ladies loved it so much they each ordered it in different colors that same night!! The fit is great, and the quality is even better. Great price. You can dress it up or down, it's very versatile. The top is lightweight as well as the shorts, but the shorts are not thin or see-through!! This is a must-have. Thinking about getting a different color." —Shermica PoweGet it from Amazon for $39.96 (available in sizes S–XXL and five colors). A so-stinkin'-cute bandeau and skirt set you'll be so grateful you bought after the fifth time you wear it this summer. Promising review: "Ordered this to wear with cowgirl boots to a music festival, and I am obsessed!! The material is such good quality (not too thin or thick, super soft, and stretchy), the skirt is the perfect length, so I don't feel like I'll keep having to pull it down, and it looks great on my curves. Lastly, the price point for this level of quality is great. Definitely ordering in more colors!" —AllieGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes XS–L and 10 colors). A simple halter top and ruched skirt because just when you thought that it was hard to fall in love, this bad boy walks into your life. Get it from Rebdolls: the top for $27.90 (available in sizes S–5X) and the skirt for $29.90 (available in sizes S–5X). A lounge set with pants and a tube top so that you can serve looks even when you don't feel like it. No thought has to go into this outfit; throw it on, throw your hair up in a bun, run your errands, and watch all the looks and compliments you still get, even without really trying. We love a baddie who can effortlessly slay. Promising review: "I am obsessed with this two-piece set! The fit is true to size, and the fabric is soft and comfortable. It's perfect for both lounging and going out, depending on how you style it. I've already gotten so many compliments whenever I wear it! I also love that the set looks put-together without even trying too hard. Highly recommend if you want something stylish, comfy, and versatile! It looks great with a cardigan over it." —Sabrina CorderoGet it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 14 colors). A two-piece blazer and shorts set that'll give you endless fit options. Wear the pieces together, wear the shorts alone with a cute top, wear the blazer over a dress or with jeans — if I continued listing outfit ideas, we'd be here all day. Fashion sets are totally the unsung hero of your closet. A comfy ribbed bra-and-short set you'll fall in love with as quickly as Disney princesses fall in love with princes. Perfect to work out in or to wear out and about while staying comfy and stylish. A floral skirt and matching crop top that'll have you drooling every time you look in the mirror cuz you'll look so dang good. Get it from Eloquii: the skirt for $109.95 (available in sizes 14–28) and the top for $89.95 (available in sizes 14–28). A scrunch top with matching linen pants for anyone who has "serve looks all summer" at the top of their to-do list. Call this 'fit Serena Williams because it's serving, for sure. Get it from White Fox: the top for $49.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL) and the pants for $69.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL). A cozy, breathable two-piece lounge set perfect to bring along for that beach trip you have planned this summer. If you wanna look as stylish as possible while also being as comfortable as can be, this set is just what you need. A lace-y satin set that you should only wear if you're in the mood to be the center of attention all day. This set brings the main character energy. Get it from Princess Polly for $72 (available in sizes 0–12 and three colors). A tie-front top and maxi skirt set because once you wear this, nothing in your closet will be able to compare or live up to it. New favorite 'fit? I think so. Get it from Boohoo for $26.40 (originally $66; available in sizes 12–24). A simply perfect floral two-piece set that'll have you ready to immediately book a flight to Greece. Add this to your cart and then open up the Southwest Airlines app. Promising review: "This outfit was so cute and comfortable! It didn't show my underwear through it because it has a lining. I wore it while in Mexico on an 82-degree day and was comfortable. It fit so well and I got so many compliments on it!" —Lauren NeifertGet it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors). A fringe crop top and matching skirt because the three best words when it comes to fashion are "sale" and "matching set." We love a 'fit that basically puts itself together. Promising review for the top: "I bought the whole set and it's perfect! The knit is silky and light, and it feels luxurious and not too hot for summer." —Julia WPromising review for the skirt: "Cute outfit. Material is great. Feels and looks good on." —Beverly BGet it from Eloquii: the top for $69.95 (available in sizes 14/16–26/28 and two colors) and the skirt for $89.95 (available in sizes 14/16–26/28 and two colors). A so chic two-piece suit set with wide-leg pants and a blazer, so you can give Zendaya suit looks (seriously, she and Law are such an iconic fashion duo). Best thing about two-piece sets is that you can wear 'em together or apart, so the possible outfits are endless. An oh-so-comfy sleeveless tunic and biker shorts set so you can serve up the coziest slay there ever was. Might as well just grab one in every color, cuz you'll surely want more than just one. A maxi skirt and tie-front crop top that's kinda like the bombshells on Love Island because this set will enter your closet and steal ALL the attention. Get it from Rebdolls: the skirt for $42.90 (available in sizes S–5X) and the top for $34.90 (available in sizes S–5X). An equally stylish yet comfy cropped tank-and-shorts duo because we LOVE an outfit that's both cute and cozy. You, as soon as you see how cute you look in your new 'fit: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Malaysian Reserve
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
TEDCO Selects Collide Capital to Support Management and Investment of Allocated SSBCI Funding
Collide Capital becomes the third selected VCLP to support the next generation of technological innovation COLUMBIA, Md., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the selection of Collide Capital as one of the early-stage venture capital fund managers supporting the management and investment of up to $10 million in U.S. Department of Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding. 'TEDCO's commitment to creating opportunities aligns with our goals of ensuring capital goes to the most deserving applicants rather than the most privileged,' said Brian Hollins, co-founder and managing partner of Collide Capital. 'With this funding, we are excited to better support the Maryland entrepreneurial ecosystem and look forward to working with TEDCO to help the ecosystem flourish.' Collide Capital is a $66 million black-owned venture capital firm envisioning a world where capital is awarded to those who are best positioned to solve the next generation of global challenges. Through their work, the company seeks to guide founders on their journey by equipping them with resources, knowledge networks and hands-on support. To date, they have backed more than 50 founders, with over 80% identifying as Black, Latine, and/or female. Recently, TEDCO announced receiving an infusion of up to $50 million in funding from the SSBCI initiative. This funding supports recipients of TEDCO's Venture Funds, Seed Funds and Social Impact Funds—along with the $10 million earmarked for the Venture Capital Limited Partnership (VCLP) Equity program. Of this amount, funding has been allocated to 100KM Ventures, AIN Ventures and now Collide Capital. 'This allocation reflects TEDCO's continued commitment to supporting the growth of an inclusive and sustainable merit-based ecosystem across the state,' said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. 'Through our collaboration with Collide Capital, we are hoping to expand our reach, support more underserved individuals, bridge gaps in the system and allow for innovative advancements.' For more information about the SSBCI VCLP funds, visit our website here. About TEDCOTEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at Media ContactTammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@ Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@
Refinery29
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Love Island USA's Amaya and Bryan Represent the Latine Love Story We Kinda Needed
On Sunday, July 13, I perched on the edge of my stool at a Brooklyn bar, facing a huge screen normally reserved for sports. Now, it displayed the neon lights of the Love Island USA villa in Fiji, host Ariana Madix moments away from revealing this year's winning couple. Surrounded by dozens of fellow viewers, a scream rose in my throat as Madix announced the winners of Season 7: Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, the first Latine couple ever to take home the title. To some, Amaya and Bryan's victory is a simple pop culture newsbite. But to others, it's the healthy Latine representation we desperately need right now. Love Island USA viewers met 25-year-old Amaya in episode 4, when the Dominican-American arrived as a 'bombshell' meant to shake up existing couples. At first, she paired up with Islander Ace, but that connection ended when he complained about Amaya calling him 'babe' (yes, you read that correctly). She then tried her luck with contestants Austin and Zak, neither of whom reciprocated her feelings. Inside the villa, she might have felt helpless, but back home, Amaya captured the hearts of the entire country with her Shakespearean wordplay, her open displays of emotion, and her refusal to change for any man. ' "To some, Amaya and Bryan's victory is a simple pop culture newsbite. But to others, it's the healthy Latine representation we desperately need right now." tess garcia ' Later in the season, Bryan, a 28-year-old of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan descent, flew under the radar when he joined Casa Amor, a getaway spot where female Islanders met new connections. But in episode 26, he flipped the script. As Ace, Austin, and Zak criticized Amaya for being too verbally affectionate, leaving her in tears, Bryan spoke out. 'Coming from a Hispanic household, calling someone 'babe,' 'mi amor,' 'mi vida,' that's just how we talk,' he said. 'You're telling her to meet you halfway? You've got to meet her halfway, too.' The way we move through life is informed by the culture we grew up in. Bryan acknowledged this in front of the other Islanders, and in doing so, he created space for a real connection with Amaya, whose worldview is shaped by similar influences to his own. By the Season 7 finale, Amaya and Bryan were a couple, with plans to test their relationship in the outside world. In the finale's Declarations of Love segment, they stood unapologetically in their admiration for each other, and they did it con sazón — Bryan even referenced a Bad Bunny lyric in his heartfelt speech to Amaya. This season of Love Island USA was plagued by scandals centering Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, two other Latinas in the cast. Both were rightfully removed from the villa for using racial slurs in previous interviews and social media posts. Their actions are symptomatic of the pervasive racism and ignorance within the Latine diaspora. Yet when juxtaposed with the actions of Amaya and Bryan, who are best known for singing in the mirror and getting freaky in the Hideaway, we're reminded that Latines are not a monolith. As members of this community, it's our job to combat the racism and prejudice within it. In order to do so, we must uplift those whose values we do align with. Amaya and Bryan's win was exactly the ending we needed. ' " As members of this community, it's our job to combat the racism and prejudice within it. In order to do so, we must uplift those whose values we do align with. Amaya and Bryan's win was exactly the ending we needed." tess garcia ' Last summer, Season 6 of Love Island USA pushed the 'spicy Latina' trope with its few Latina contestants, who were portrayed as fiery and hypersexualized by their male counterparts. This year, Amaya and Bryan turned that narrative on its head. When Amaya went from crying over rejections to running around with the 'zoomies,' viewers got to see her as the layered individual she is. When Bryan, unprompted, defended Amaya's self-expression, it became clear that his respect for her ran more than skin deep. Some viewers feel Bryan may have pursued Amaya because he knew she was the fan favorite, but he stood up for her before the cast participated in the now-infamous ranking challenge, which revealed Amaya Papaya's status as America's sweetheart. His actions prior to that challenge set the stage for their budding romance. Bryan also challenged machista stereotypes just by being himself. Machismo discourages Latino men from displaying sensitive emotions, but Bryan's tears flowed freely when he received a surprise video message from his mother. In his first one-on-one chat with Amaya, he spoke about his choice to defend her like it was a no-brainer, even though it meant arguing against three of his friends. 'I don't want anybody to feel alone,' he said. ' "On Love Island USA, Amaya and Bryan forged a bond built on cultural competency and outspokenness, two values that stand in direct opposition to Donald Trump's government-sanctioned ethnic cleansing of the United States." Tess Garcia ' As I write this article, Latines all over the country are being kidnapped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A new detention center dubbed ' Alligator Alcatraz ' recently opened in South Florida. According to Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL), its inmates are being caged in groups of 32 people, with only three toilets per group. A culture of fear now permeates Latine communities nationwide, with many afraid to speak their native language publicly or even leave their homes for fear of being detained, regardless of their immigration status. Meanwhile, two Latine twenty-somethings just shamelessly expressed themselves on summer's hottest TV show, and it won them the grand prize. On Love Island USA, Amaya and Bryan forged a bond built on cultural competency and outspokenness, two values that stand in direct opposition to Donald Trump's government-sanctioned ethnic cleansing of the United States. This season of Love Island USA was stressful to watch. So is the news. So is the current state of the world. Amaya and Bryan's compassion, giggles, and hair-brained schemes gave us a breath of fresh air, if only temporarily. It's no wonder Latine fans are as proud of them as we would be of our own family members. Even if they decide they're better off as friends someday, Brymaya is still a win for Latines. Maybe it's not that deep to you, but to some of us, it is.
