How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.
Whom do you credit? Firstly, God, but also the amazing individuals who came into my life to help show me the way: Jessica Castellano - who took a chance on me and started Zapatero + Bucaram PR with me, her 26 year old business partner — and my sister, FullyRaw Kristina, for allowing us to tell her story! Along the way, every client I have ever had or colleague I have worked with has left me with indelible memories and lessons, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of our ever changing industry!
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I show up with kindness for all I meet and give more than I expect to receive. I work with passion and persistence, and always try to connect the dots for individuals who need it. I feel strongly that women should support each other, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s part of the fiber of learning.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Recently, I have been working with many nonprofit organizations who have given so much to our society. I work with the Global Empowerment Mission who helped bring over $800,000 to Texas during the winter storms, and now has raised over $20M in aid for the Ukrainian Crisis -- acquiring national media such as the Today show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, FOX, CNN, and also specials on Anderson Cooper. I am honored to work with celebrity musicians and their non-profit organizations, such as Marc Anthony’s nonprofit, Maestro Cares, to bring opportunities for children to live, play, and learn — across Latin and Central America, and I am also very blessed to have influencers such as: FullyRaw Kristina, Internationally Renowned Multi-Genere viral Violinist, “DEMOLA the Violinist,” Nationally acclaimed beauty Influencer Marlena Stell, disease reversal specialist and MD - Dr. Brooke Goldner, and many more! Excited to expand my international and national portfolio and continue working with celebrity contacts as well as musicians!
The shiny new Dr. Jack Express electric locomotive
JUST IN TIME for a long weekend — and a teeny reprieve from triple-digit temps — Hermann Park Conservancy has announced it will offer free train rides from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 to celebrate a pair of new locomotives.
For the first time, the historic Hermann Park Railroad has an electric train — make that two! “The introduction of the electric trains to the Park represents a leap forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship and visitor experience,” said Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright. “We are deeply grateful to ExxonMobil and the McGovern Foundation for their generous support, which not only preserves but elevates the Hermann Park Railroad as a premier attraction for visitors of all ages.”
Each of the major donors named a train: The ExxonMobil Express and the Dr. Jack Express, modeled after 1863 C.P. Hunting locomotives, begin servicing passengers tomorrow, Aug. 31. Dr. Jack is a tip of the hat to John P. McGovern, one of the park's biggest stewards; the train that began service in 2008 is also named the Dr. Jack Express.
The scenic railroad loop at Hermann Park has been a popular attraction for almost 70 years, and brings in an estimated $1.2 million each year, with funds going right back into park maintenance and improvements.
The Hermann Park Railroad has been a beloved Houston attraction for nearly 70 years. Since the Conservancy took over its operations in March 2008, more than 5 million riders have experienced a scenic loop around the Park. In addition to providing a unique visitor experience in the Park, Railroad operations bring in more than $1.2 million annually to support the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and improve Hermann Park. The new Commons, with an epic playground, splashpad and carousel, is a must-see — so hop on a train asap!
Refreshing bites at Bloom & Bee; the famous French onion soup at Artisans (photo by Shane Dante)
THIS SUMMER HAS been uniquely brutal for the hospitality industry, with devastating losses from the derecho and Beryl. But a bright spot for many has been Houston Restaurant Weeks, the annual August event that gives foodies and restaurants alike a jolt of energy.
For just the third time in its 20-plus-year history, HRW has been extended to Sept. 30, giving Houstonians an extra four weeks to taste and toast at many of the city's finest and most fun establishments. The two previous times the event was extended were in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey, and in 2020 during Covid, proving that HRW is committed to helping the industry recover from financial hardships via generating increased traffic.
“We decided to continue HRW this year due to the many requests we had from participating restaurants,” said Katie Stone, President of the Cleverley Stone Foundation, which puts on the event, noting that they are proud to provide "a way for restaurants, staff and others that were impacted by financial distress after this summer to recoup."
HRW will continue through the end of September with a reduced donation amount to the Houston Food Bank. Instead of $3, $5 or $7 donations per lunch or dinner served, a flat $1 per meal will be donated.
"Diners can show how much they stand behind the hospitality industry," said Stone. "It's heartwarming seeing how our city comes together to 'Dine Out & Do Good' every August!”