Blogamole › Agentes De Cambio

By Michael Lopez

February has arrived and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only is it the time of love for all of the Valentine's romantics, it's also now become "Characters Unite Month," a 29-day celebration of tolerance and positive change.

USA Network created the effort to help spread the word about causes close to many of their stars' hearts. And they’ve gotten a few Tr3s faves to participate too, with a series of uplifting Public Service Announcements promoting universal respect.

Cuban-American Gina Torres (who currently stars in USA’s Suits) spoke up in a very moving PSA about 9/11. She encourages viewers to remember the heroes of that tragic day and continue the camaraderie that shown between the citizens of New York.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will also be appearing on the network in a special entitled, NFL Characters Unite. Joined by fellow football greats Jimmy Graham and Hines Ward, Tony will be speaking out about bullying and sharing stories about his own struggles with the issue while growing up in L.A.

And several other network stars will be addressing issues that Latinos face every day. White Collar’s Sharif Atkins has recorded spots about embracing diversity, Covert Affairs’ Scott Gorham discusses respect for veterans, and In Plain Sight’s Mary McCormack sheds light on the dangers of stereotyping.

But that's only the beginning. Similar to CNN's Heroes, the network will be hosting a Characters Unite Awards banquet honoring everyday people who are making a difference. Last year, USA honored Florida's Jessica Estevez for the diversity workshops she set up in her small town.

And just so you know, there's still time to nominate someone from your community for an award. If you're aware of any local Agentes de Cambio who are making a positive change, pass their information along and you could score them a $5000 grant to continue their work.

Do you feel like there are any Agentes de Cambio in your community? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Characters Unite, Gina Torres, Mary McCormack, PSAs, Scott Gorham, Sharif Atkin, Television, Tony Gonzalez, USA Network

By Michael Lopez

Is it us or does America Ferrera seem to be the hardest working Latina in show business? Currently in the midst of a stage, TV, and film career, the 27-year-old Ugly Betty vet still made time do some charity work recently for Planned Parenthood.

The organization (which helps educate young people about safe sex and birth control) recently held a luncheon that America was proud to be a part of. She even took to the podium to address the importance of responsible parenting.

"I think that women's health is an issue that is close to me, because of my community," Ferrera said. "We're only as strong as the ability we havre to take care of the women who are giving birth and nurturing the next generation."

Celebs like Gabrielle Union and Julianne Moore also attended the event and made sure to lend their support. But we've got to wonder if Parenthood may have a special meaning for America, now that she's a new bride. Though we don't think there's a Betty bun in the oven just yet, when the time is right, we're sure Ferrera will make a fantastic madre.

Do you think America would make a good mom? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, America Ferrera, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Moore, Planned Parenthood

By Michael Lopez

Keep your eye on Javier Fernandez-Han. This 17-year-old science whiz may very well change the world within the next decade. And we're not the only ones who think so. Forbes recently put him on their prestigious "30 Under 30" list.

Tapped into the magazine's Energy category, Javier is among some very elite company. 24-year-old Danielle Fong already runs her own renewables company called LightSail Energy. Her inventions have made great strides in the electrical world, giving scientists new ways to store and harness solar power from the sun.

Though Fernandez-Han hasn’t quite reached the level of CEO yet, he's well on his way. The Texas high school student (who is half-Mexican and half-Chinese) has invented a groundbreaking system that can break down sewage and convert it into methane for fuel.

Not only that, he's already founded his own humanitarian organization called Inventors Without Borders. Javier hopes his ".org" will allow for new inventions to be used in poverty-stricken areas around the world.

"Once I realized I enjoyed inventing, I began to see how I could provide solutions to common problems," he told NBC Latino. "Inventing things became a way to help people."

And interestingly, the science world is starting to take notice. Fernandez-Han has already spoken at conventions for the popular website TED and been flown to Spain to deliver a speech to eco-engineers (which has become a YouTube sensation).

But if you were to ask his proud parents, Javier is still very much a "normal" teenager. He enjoys ping-pong, afterschool social events, and, well, saving the world.

"All teenagers have potential to solve problems. My vision is that one day that what Javier does will be considered typical," Fernandez-Han’s dad Peter explained. "As parents, we can expect kids to be creative in everything they do. When you refrain from providing a quick answer or buying solutions to a kid’s boredom, you cultivate the expectation that your kids can, and will be creative."

Have you ever tried to invent anything? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 30 Under 30, Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Danielle Fong, Ecology, Education, Forbes, Inventors Without Borders, Javier Fernandez-Han, LightSail Energy, Science, Technology, TED

By Reynaldo Casas

It's a cold, dreary Saturday morning in Brooklyn, NY but on the inside of St. Francis College, the gym está muy caliente filled with 250 vibrant, young Latinos eager to hear from two educational experts on paying for college and giving back to their community. Oh...and did I mention that they were also eager to hear from the beautiful and talented Kat DeLuna and the handsome, successful entertainment mogul, Wilmer Valderrama?

The event was organized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and it was one of their many Ready to Lead Program events, which provide Latino high school students with college-admission and financial aid information, to prepare them as they begin their journey into college. CHCI not only motivates them to complete high school, but also empowers them to serve and lead in their communities and explains how college is achievable for everyone.

Wilmer and Kat rocked the auditorium with some inspirational words of wisdom and shared their experiences of growing up as young Latinos and how they have succeeded in the entertainment industry. Wilmer is the National Spokesperson for CHCI’s Ready to Lead Program and has been so for a few years now.

To everyone's pleasant surprise, Kat gave an impromptu performance of her Billboard smash hit, "Wind Me Up" at the request of a young person in the audience. For more information on CHCI’s Ready to Lead Program, go to this page.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, CHCI, Kat DeLuna, Wilmer Valderrama

By Michael Lopez

Wondering why you haven't seen Jessica Alba in any new movies lately? It's probably because she's been spending quite a bit of time launching her new baby care business, The Honest Company.

Keeping with the "H" theme of Alba's two daughters Honor and Haven, The Honest Company (or Honest.com) will sell eco-friendly infant products via the web. New parents can use it to buy "green" diapers, non-toxic wipes, and a host of other items for a monthly fee.

And don't think of Honest.com as a small time celebrity operation. Jessica has partnered with LegalZoom founder Brian Lee and PriceGrabber.com’s Chris Gavigan to help get the business off the ground.

For roughly $36 a month, users can get an "essentials" pack, which includes cleaning products and a diaper bundle. And Alba's also keeping her charitable side intact too. A portion of all of the company's sales will go to the non-profit Baby2Baby organization, which give supplies to young families in need.

Would you buy baby products from Jessica's site? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Baby2Baby, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Business, Celebrities, Ecology, Honest.com, Jessica Alba, The Honest Company

By Michael Lopez

Expect to see a lot more of J.R. Martinez in 2012. Not only did the Dancing With The Stars champ kick off the new year as Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade, he'll also be seen in a documentary called Trial By Fire.

Truly a cause close to J.R.'s heart, the Fire doc will educate viewers about burn victims and the prejudices they deal with on a daily basis. Martinez himself was severely burned in 2003 while serving in Iraq.

Speaking about the incident in the film's trailer, J.R. went to say,

"April 5th, 2003 is my new birthday, it's a day that I will never forget just like a birthday. But, it's a day that I won't get phone calls or presents. I drove maybe, 100 yards, then all of a sudden boom! This is my body, these are my scars."

Clearly Martinez has'’t let those scars get him down. He was universally praised on DWTS for his positive attitude, which is something we’re sure he'll pass on to his soon-to-be-born baby girl.

Do you admire J.R.'s upbeat attitude? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Burn Victims, J.R. Martinez, Movies & CineMás, Trial By Fire

By Eddie Gutierrez

Have an idea on how to solve a global issue but lack the finances to launch it? Well, then the Echoing Green Fellowship is for you!

Every year the Echoing Green Fellowship selects 12-20 bold, innovative ideas and provides the winning Fellows with up to $90,000 in funds, strategic support, and a powerful community of 500+ other Fellows. Your idea could be the next one selected. Help make the world a better place and solve global issues!

Be the change you wish to see! Hurry and apply today as the deadline for the initial application is quickly approaching, January 9, 2012.

For more information, please visit http://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Changemaker

By Michael Lopez

Sure their music has an urban edge, but that doesn't mean that Dyland y Lenny support violence. In fact, the reggaeton duo led a march on Tuesday against domestic abuse.

"We feel responsible because when you're an artist, you become a role model for many youngsters who don't have a role model at home and are kids who look up to artists and do what the artists say," Dyland explained in a recent interview.

D y L also took a stand against gunplay on New Year's Eve, which has proven to be a major problem in their Puerto Rican homeland. Often times when the clock strikes midnight, people shoot weapons into the air, which is dangerous and can lead to major injuries.

Lenny went on to say that he felt "alarmed" by Puerto Rico's murder rate. This year alone, 1,116 people were killed on the island. Hopefully the march helped convince their fellow citizens to keep things peaceful and positive in 2012.

Are you inspired by Dyland y Lenny? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Domestic Violence, Dyland y Lenny, New Year's Eve, Puerto Rico

By Michael Lopez

It seems the tabloids aren't able to scoop the public on every chisme story. In a surprising revelation, Jennifer Lopez told CNN that her daughter Emme was born with a lump on her head that was initially thought be cancerous.

Thankfully after multiple MRI tests, doctors were able to give Emme a clean bill of health, much to the relief of Lopez and papa Marc Anthony. Jennifer confessed that the medical scare proved to be an excruciating experience.

"I just remember that feeling of something is wrong with that baby and I'm gonna die," she explained. "I remember looking at [Marc] and saying, 'If Emme's not going to be OK, I'm not going to be OK. He's like, 'I'm not going to be OK—none of us are going to be OK.' "

The incident actually prompted Lopez and Anthony to launch a pediatric charity called The Maribel Foundation. They chose the name Maribel to honor Marc's sister, who died of brain cancer at the age of 8. You can find out more about its mission, by visiting the official site.

Has anyone in your family had a cancer scare? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, CNN, Emme Anthony, Health, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Maribel Foundation

By Michael Lopez

Anyone expecting a followup to The Other Side of Down may now have to wait a while. It seems American Idol alum, David Archuleta, will be putting his music career on hold for the next two years to become a Mormon missionary.

David made the emotional announcement during a concert in Utah last night. Pushing through tears and a wave of emotions, Archie told the crowd that he was answering a "higher calling."

"It's not because somebody told me that I was supposed to do it," he explained on stage. "And it's not because I no longer want to do music anymore, but it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life."

So far, it's unclear if David will serve the church here in the states or do missionary work overseas. But you've got to admire his devotion to his faith. And we're sure the experience will make for some very interesting lyrics when he returns to the studio in 2014.

Do you admire David’s devotion to the Mormon church? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, American Idol, Blogger: Michael Lopez, David Archuleta, Música, Mormonism, Religion