Report on the HOLAtalks with Daphne Rubin-Vega

Our first HOLAtalks event with Daphne Rubin-Vega (on Thursday, May 7, 2009) was also my first event with HOLA and it was certainly a success. I have been in charge of large events before, so I know the hard work it takes to bring ideas to fruition. It’s interesting to plan an event, rather than be an attendee because so much time and thought goes into it. Think about when your family hosts an event; as a kid, my mom would wake up at the crack of dawn to start cooking while getting me and my dad to tidy the house, yard, and set tables to have our large family over. Then, we’d all have to shower and look pretty and calm, like everything that day had been a breeze. That is how HOLA events go! And thanks to some wonderful HOLA volunteers, SAG, and HOLA staff (our family), entertaining last week would not have happened.

The actual day of the event was hectic and stressful. The torrential downpour shook all of our nerves at the HOLA office, and we had to hope that people would come despite the flood on the streets of New York. We also had to struggle through the concrete jungle, roughing trains and buses to get to the space. HOLA Associate Director A.B. Lugo and I carted a ton of supplies for the big night, with sore arms and legs to prove it. After a slightly damp and heavy journey, we made it to the location (the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, or AADA) intact, and before we knew it, we were on our way! Guests were arriving, the talent made it safely to the green room, and I worked with AADA to get the space ready for our night.

Though there were events beyond our control that kept some people from our event, it turned out to be a pleasant experience for all. Daphne Rubin-Vega and moderator Mario Bósquez gave us a beautiful presentation, and we have fantastic images and video by which to remember the event. (Muchas gracias, Anthony Ruiz y Edwin Pagán.)

A great big thank you goes to HOLA member-volunteers Phoenix Ximénez, Laura Patalano and Jenniffer Díaz for their tireless work the entire night. In all honesty, we could not have done it without you! Thanks to HOLA Executive Director Manny Alfaro, A.B., Adam Moore from SAG and all of HOLA for giving me the opportunity to share my experience and energy with them. I thrive on planning, creating, and following through with events and I look forward to more exciting activities HOLA has in store for all of its members, friends and staff.

...Dahlia Valle Peterson
HOLA Administrative Assistant

[For photos of the HOLAtalks event, please refer to the most previous blog entry before this one (http://elblogdehola.blogspot.com/2009/05/holatalks-daphne-rubin-vega-may-7-2009.html).]