Busy executive, talented editor, and devoted Mom. Mamiverse Food welcomes Lorraine C. Ladish, Editor-in-Chief of www.mamiverse.com Lorraine took some time out of settling in to her new position to share with us her thoughts on food, families, and the world of Mamiverse.
MAMIVERSE: What are your thoughts on being part of Mamiverse?
Lorraine C. Ladish: I am thrilled! Ever since I first heard of Mamiverse I had the feeling that I would be a part of it. My gut was right. I started out as a contributor when Mamiverse was only a few months old, and after an interesting interlude as managing editor at a different Latino publication, I returned to Mamiverse as the Editor-in-Chief. I have an excellent relationship with Rene Alegria. We have a lot of fun planning and discussing projects, I believe in the mission of the site, I am passionate about being Latina and a mami and I nothing makes me happier than empowering women. It’s right up my alley. The most fulfilling job I’ve ever had up to now. Here, I can put all my skills to good use. I’m a writer, an editor, a social media junkie, and a bilingual and bicultural woman. I feel right at home. If I had to write my dream job description, this would be it.
MAMIVERSE: What are your goals and objectives for Mamiverse?
Lorraine C. Ladish: So many! To take it to even greater heights than the skilled and enthusiastic team behind it has already done. I want it to be the go-to site for Latinas, moms, and women who seek empowerment, diversity, information, and sometimes just a good laugh. I strive to make Mamiverse the voice of the modern Latina. I aim to engage our readers via social media and our content. I am always open to suggestions and conversations via Twitter and Facebook. To quote Kathy Earnshaw in the novel Wuthering Heights, who said of her love for Heathcliff, “I am Heathcliff”, my feelings for Mamiverse could be summarized by stating “I am Mamiverse”.
MAMIVERSE: Can you share your tips/ideas for balancing family and work?
Lorraine & Phillippe’s kids
Lorraine C. Ladish: Honestly, I don’t believe in balance anymore. At least not if you want to progress as a person and a professional. As a life-long freelancer, I don’t believe in having fixed schedules. I’m task oriented. That means that I don’t stop until I get the work done. This is harder to do when your job is ongoing. But since I’m a telecommuter, which I love, I interweave family life and work daily, no matter what day of the week it is, or where I am.
That said, when I work, I work hard, and when I parent, I give it my all. I’m lucky to love what I do – for the most part I always have – so it doesn’t feel like drudgery. I do try to have certain times of the day or week when I completely disconnect from work, to recharge and renew. I turn off my phone when I work out, when having dinner or if I’m cuddling with my kids or on a date with my partner.
They’ve all come to accept that what I do is a part of who I am.
Lorraine Ladish & Phillippe Diederich
MAMIVERSE: What can we look forward to seeing in the coming months?
Lorraine C. Ladish: Lots of new, good content of course. A mix of light but practical pieces that are useful to Mamis, from how to clean the house before your in-laws drop by to dating after divorce. But also deeper pieces on Latino issues, such as how Latino men find it harder to adapt to change than their female counterparts, how forms and technology need to adapt to Latino last names (we usually have two) because we are a growing segment of the population, and much more. We are adding male writers and journalists to our team of contributors, and more diverse points of view.
MAMIVERSE: What do you feel are the most pressing issue(s) for Latinas?
Lorraine C. Ladish: Empowerment. Realizing the power we really have to change how mainstream media and society as a whole view us, and using that power. Standing together in order to make our voices heard as one, and making a difference in politics, the work force and in the community. We can do it. We just have to believe it.
MAMIVERSE: What is your favorite food/recipe?
Lorraine C. Ladish: I would have to say paella.
The one that my abuelita made when I was a kid. She is 95 and still cooks sometimes, but she lives in Spain so I can’t enjoy her food as often as I’d like! I cook it myself now, but I know it’s not the same.
MAMIVERSE: What are your thoughts on Mamiverse Food and all the chefs/contributors?
Lorraine C. Ladish: I’ve been reading Mamiverse Food for a while and I like that the recipes are short and easy, but make for tasty dishes. There is variety and something for everyone. One of my favorite recipes is the Michelada by Chef Daisy Martinez.
In México they drink it as a hangover cure, but it’s great to beat the heat in Florida, my home. I love the Healthy Options section, which isn’t boring at all!
Mamiverse Food has my full support as a reader and colleague!
To learn more about Mario Bosquez click here.
