New Website Looks To Court 'Fútbol Moms'

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show has left a void with women and mothers everywhere. But one new website is hoping to pick up the slack, particularly within the Hispanic segment. Launching this week, Mamiverse.com wants to be the ultimate "go to" destination for Latinas in need of some digital TLC.

Created by former HarperCollins editor Rene Alegria, Mamiverse has been a long time coming. Alegria is an Arizona native, who has built his career working with well-known Latina writers. Authors like Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez and Maria Perez-Brown have worked closely with Rene in the past and will be ongoing contributors to the Mamiverse.

Alegria was quick to point out that Mamiverse will be an English-based site. When discussing the objectives, it's clear that Rene did his homework and knows exactly whom he wants to target.

"I always see these campaigns, they do so much in Spanish," Alegria said. "But they're not speaking to the bicultural, English-dominant Latino. The next César Chávez, is going to be a Latina mom."

Rene also explained how he was inspired by the turmoil going on in his home state. Between the SB 1070 drama and the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, he felt the need to base his new venture in Arizona and to offer a mature Latina perspective on the country's most pressing political stories.

But don't worry, Mamiverse will certainly not be taking itself too seriously. As the all-powerful Ms. Winfrey can attest, makeovers, parenting, and lifestyle segments are just as important to the female audience.

For Mamiverse, Rene has brought on Daisy Fuentes for an advice column, CNN producer Rosa Arce for mom tips, and TV vet Maria Hinojosa for video segments about raising teens. Of course, Valdes-Rodriguez and Perez-Brown will be contributing too, with a variety of topics ranging from shopping to dating.

Hinojosa, in particular, sees quite a big future ahead for the Mamiverse and its audience. When speaking on the power of the modern-day Latina, she said,

"Politically, oh my God, could Latinas become the next soccer moms? At the risk of using a little Spanish, get ready for the fútbol moms!"

Are you planning on checking out the Mamiverse? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Daisy Fuentes, Latinas, Mamiverse, Rene Alegria, Technology, websites