Tag Archives: Dream Chasers

Female Latin Web Developer Finds Her Inner Geek & Creates Networking App.

Posted in Career, Empowerment, On The Rise by

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Technology is here to stay and Raygrid Calderon is here to be part of it. She is the pioneer behind dreemkacher,  an application created to make more opportunity for innovators on the rise to seek business placement. When she realized that there wasn’t a platform for the truly talented to showcase their work conveniently, Raygrid put her skills together and created DreemKacher.With use of a visual resume, so to speak, anyone can express what their capabilities are and Rayrgid takes pride in creating something that can not only elevate one’s career but also simplify it. Raygrid is in a pool of very few Latinas and females who are advancing the way we use technology.Lets find out more about Raygrid.

 

Where were you 6 months after college?

Six months after college I was doing something completely unrelated to now. While I was going to college I was working as a Medical Assistant so I was able to move up at the company I worked for. About 2 months after graduating I worked as an HIV Counselor.

DREEMKACHER is a clever name, what was your thought process when deciding the name?
Thank you! I wanted a name that captured the essence of what I was trying to create. I literally said to myself the app is for dreamers and…catchers.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 10.26.00 PMWe all stumble at some point of our lives, was there ever a time during the creation of DREEMKACHER where you wanted to give up? What did you learn from it?
Great question, the funny thing is as many times as it made “sense” to quit whether it was because of financial reasons or my relationships with loved ones, throughout all the hurdles in my heart I never wanted quit. The feeling I get when I think of dreemkacher is indescribable as if it’s something I can’t walk away from….. Ever. I learned to be patient. My motto is life’s rejection is the universes protection.

What does my freshman year of life means to you?
I literally always say my freshman year of life was 2012. It took me a tremendous amount of pain, amazing highs and awful lows and even stillness to really understand who I am and I promise you nothing was in vain. I learned what ticks me and what stunts my growth and I truly believe that’s because of all my hurdles.

What peaked your interest to start coding?
I sort of bumped into it. My parents bought me my first computer when I was about 13 and they couldn’t put it together so I had to and once it was built I became interested, somewhat obsessive in the logistics of it all. Which led to web developing, hacks and program building which then led to app developing.
How important is it that out this generation understands the value of coding?
It’s a bittersweet time for this generation. As technology advances other creatives phase out. It’s important to stay ahead. Even if you choose a career path totally unrelated to technology, technology will not go away. It’s become a part of our daily lives. With that being said coding should just be as normal as washing dishes. You might not do it everyday or maybe even have to do it at all but it’s something everyone should be introduced to at some point.

How can we ensure that young girls are not intimidated by learning technology?
Technology is a curriculum that should be introduced very early. I believe by the age of 8 children should be familiar with basic tools and programs. If we instill this idea of tech savvy being the norm, young people wouldn’t feel intimidated by it as they age.

Where do you see the app in the next couple of years?
My ultimate goal is to create a platform that exceeds just connecting consumers and customers. I also want to help build start-ups from the ground up.

What do you want people using your app to take away from it?
To learn the difference between marketing/branding a business and being a popular “@”.

If you were to write a letter to your younger self about pursuing your dream what would you tell her?
I would simply say NEVER GIVE UP if it’s what you love.

Complete the sentence
When I am not working on DK you can find me …
Reading.
My favorite quote of all time is …
The highest form of success is to help others succeed

I can’t go a day without having….
A caramel latte

My happy dance move is…
Pat Pat dance from Little Einsteins

Stay connected with Raygrid
Twitter: @DreemKacher
Instagram: @DreemKacher
Facebook Page: Dreem Kacher

On the Rise: Raven Robinson

Posted in On The Rise by

Industry: Public Relations

Hat: CEO of PR2Politics “The Firm that treats you Like a Candidate”

School: The City College of New York

Major:  Political Science

Raven Robinson

Raven Robinson

At the age of 23, Raven credits her determination to her hometown of South Bronx. It was through grassroots projects and volunteering for campaigns in her community that she was lead to her passion for both politics and public relations. To understand her hustle is to know this amazing woman’s story. With clients such as The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, Women Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) and author of Epiphany Kendell, this PR maven is one whose name will be talked about for many years to come.Read more about her journey below.

Where were you five months after graduating from the City of College of New York?

I was a bit disappointed with how things were going. I had applied to every job you can think of, and I did not get a response back at all. However, when I realized that I wasn’t getting anywhere I started to look for opportunities and that meant asking for what I want. During that same time, I volunteered myself to a young lady who was running for Senate and did not have a Publicist. That’s when PR2Politics became my full-time job.

When did you create PR2Politics?

As President of the Public Relations Students Society of America (PRSSA) of my school, some of the e-board members requested that we kept up with the latest social media outlets, and twitter at the time was one of the must haves on the list.  It took me a quite a while to get acquainted with twitter, however, once I was there I wanted my name to be a brand, something that people could refer to when they needed PR advice. Pr2Politics was supposed to be my side gig, a place where I consult people while maintaining my “full-time” job. However, I’ve never imagined Pr2Politics being my career.

What does the phrase “My Freshman Year of Life” means to you?

My freshman year of life is the moment I became a self-starter and created my own opportunities, which meant doing something out of the norm. My freshman year of life took place the day after I graduated college, that was the wake up call for me. With all the internships I had throughout my college career, I literally thought that a job offer was waiting for me at the podium. That wasn’t the case. That’s when I realized I have to be a go getter to be successful in life.

Tell me about your latest projects?

I recently published my first workbook “Your Campaign: A Business Owner’s Guide to Understanding Public Relations: (Volume 1). It is a guide for those who don’t have any knowledge of PR and are looking to better their brand and their business’. I want to give people who can’t afford PR,  the tools necessary to promote themselves. Also, because I’m always looking for a way to better myself and my community this workbook is essentially my gift to the hood.

You’re the CEO of PR2Politics and a career advice writer for Sixincheshigher.com; how do you manage your time?

I work between 8 AM and  1 AM every day ( seven days a week) that’s the promise I made to myself when I started as an entrepreneur. It bothers me that we as humans we are always in a hurry to help someone else, but when it comes to ourselves we always procrastinate.

No matter how busy I might be, I make sure that I get to my bed by 1am. I use my time to do research, look for prospect clients, meditate, read my bible and attend meetings. With that being said, having a planner and a to-do list helps me organize my day.

When you’re not wearing your CEO hat, what do you do on your spare time?

I love to spend time with family, go out to eat and I attend Broadway shows.

What would you tell people who are unsure of which career path to follow?

Pray. If you’re not Christian, stay spiritually grounded. It can be tempting to do something that someone else is doing because they are successful at it. Not everyone has the same destiny; create your own path.

Also, I’m one of those who strongly encourages people to do everything, because you never know what will truly make you happy. However, it is best to work on 3 projects at a time, think of it as a college course. All skills are transferable.

If you were to write a letter to your younger self about being an entrepreneur, what would it say?

Dear 17-year-old Raven,

Save your money, all the items you spend your money on now (shoes,clothes etc.), won’t be worth a thing. As you grow wiser you’ll find out that saving even 10$ a month and having an investment account would’ve been beneficial to owning your business. Although you will be amazing, a little cash in the bank could have lessened some stress, but you’re a smart girl you’ll figure it out.

Sincerely,

Wiser Raven.

Stay connected with Raven

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter