XISPAS - The journal of Chicano Art, Culture, and Politics

Where Latinas matter!

If Latinas feel they don’t matter now, Mija Magazine will give them uncountable reasons to sway such crazy thinking. This online magazine that launched on March 31, 2004 hopes to carry out a unique and empowering, but tasteful, message to all Latinas out there that they are more than what is seen on other online or news stand magazines.

Mija’s focal points are: 1) To endorse and empower all Latinas that are looking to showcase themselves artistically in the arts, 2) Enlighten Latinas on concerns and problems that affect our community, 3) Represent different Latina communities with NO discrimination; 4) And to establish a network between all other Latino-run websites, colleges, businesses, companies and organizations.

“We being Latina/o run websites have a whole world to reach out to. Yes, we may have different missions, but we do have the same purpose. By networking and collaborating on various projects we can accomplish this mission because if we do not work together to promote ourselves . . . then who will?” said Roberta M. Rosa, CEO and Founder of Mija Magazine.

Rosa, 24 has been researching online and around various states for two years with her own funds, looking for other websites that have Latinas or from what she calls them “Mijas” in mind. The magazine’s demographic group ranges from 15-35 years of age. It’s mainly centered on independent Latin women that have a desire to know the issues, need a dose of culture with a taste of reality and still be in style. ”Other Hispanic magazines focus on the actresses or entertainers that already have made it big. Mija Magazine is a platform for the new and upcoming,” Rosa said.

Stories on the first issue include: Olga Gonzalez-Ramos, one of the most known plus size models, which was featured in Elegant Plus 2004 calendar, signature model of the first ever bridal Guide for plus size women, and was covered on Univision’s “Aqui y Ahora;” California’s own Tia Chucha's Café Cultural; Column of the Americas written by Patrisia Gonzales and Roberto Rodriguez—the team has been writing the syndicated Column of the Americas, distributed by Universal Press Syndicate, since 1994. The writers offer a unique perspective of the Americas—on topics of general interest as well as highlighting issues that specifically affect the peoples of the continent; Lissette Calderon, founder of Cuerpo Magazine launching nationally in news stands in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Miami on July 2004 and which talks about the realistic perspective of the Latina-Americana ”Moderna mujer.”

Mija Magazine’s categories have titles such as La Vida (Covering cultural, LGBT issues, food and advice), Familia Living, Mija Style, Entertainment, Mija Commerce, the arts and politics. At the end of all featured articles, Mija will provide a portfolio and/or resume’ of the highlighted Latina for further contact.

Rosa is currently funding Mija Magazine with her own funds and has not sought out any corporate sponsorship as of yet. When asked on how this magazine will stay online, Rosa smiled and said “I am the only Latina DJ in Northeastern, Ohio and I perform slam poetry. I need this magazine more than anybody! And since I have no children to feed, I rather provide for my Mija’s in need.”

Mija Magazine Online design was created by Rosa and Webmaster Vincent Lomanto. As Co-Editor is long-time friend Vanessa Cortes.

"I will soon ask for sponsors and advertisers for the site, because I want Mija to grow and prosper, but the whole intent of the magazine is for it to start out with nothing and end with a whole lot of something. Mija Magazine will be a success story—one day!”

Mija Magazine is on www.mijamagazine.com, if you have any submissions or for more information please email Roberta M. Rosa at mijamagazine@yahoo.com or call 440-277-0575.