hello and welcome to "comunidad del valle." i'm damian trujillo. and today we'll have some veterans doing their thing at san jose university. plus some amazing entrepreneurs on your "comunidad del valle." ♪ ♪ we are going to begin with those veterans here on "comunidad del valle." they're trying to form their own veterans resource center at san jose state university. with me are damian bramlett, the veteran, and also omar teutle. did i pronounce it correctly? >> yes. >> briefly tell me about your military service before we get into the needs there that you feel you need.

>> about four years in the army as an infantry soldier from 2001 to about 2005. and since i got out in 2005 i've been pursuing higher education until last year, when i finished a graduate degree at san jose state. >> what about you, omar? >> i'm a sergeant in the united states marine corps reserves. selected for staff sergeant and done three tours. two in afghanistan and one in iraq. been in since 2006. and, while finishing my political science major before going on my second tour. and then just recently returned from my third tour not too long ago and i'm pursuing an mpa at san jose state university. >> very good. what is it that motivates you guys? you've served your country already. and now the need to better educate yourselves, i guess, because your education in the military must be pretty amazing. why take it a step further? it's a dumb question, but -- >> no, i think for me personally i've always want stod push myself as much as possible and

test my limits and for me it was pursuing -- well, furthering my education because i had an soviet's degree before i got into the army. once i got out i decided i need to get my bachelor's because that's the only way i'm going to be able to get a viable career and be successful in life. and then once i got in and started doing my bachelor's degree i realized i want to go to the next level up and get a master's. and ten even now i'm still contemplating if i'm going to go for a ph.d. or not. >> very good. what about you, mark? >> for myself just pretty much being an immigrant. migrated here when i was 8 years old. i'm 30 now. and i feel that's my moral duty to go ahead and represent those who were underrepresented, immigrants, you know. i know what it's like to be an illegal alien. so i feel that, you know, i want to go ahead and portray a positive image of all immigrants, not just latinos,

immigrants overall. >> so you were adopted in this country. you decided i still want to serve it. >> yes. >> tell us about that will within you that says this is the direction i want to take this. >> well, as i mentioned, you know, i came here when i was 8. and you know, everybody -- a lot of folks that i've encountered express their sort of, you know, challenges that they had, you know, while being here in the u.s. you know, discrimination unfortunately still exists. prejudice. you know, but when i came here, my family and i, we had the doors open from a lot of folks. so i feel that, you know, as an immigrant i want to go ahead and give back because i've been given so much. >> when you first enlisted, did you imagine you'd be serving three tours? >> to be honest with you, no. no. but i took it as it came. and you know, in the marines we always like to say that's what

we're for. so that's what we're for. >> all right. i do have some video. and i shot some video about a year ago over at foothill community college in cupertino. they have a veterans resource center. about 400 veterans are at foothill. and they just brag about the -- the tools that they're obtaining at this veterans resource center. damian, why do you think we need that at san jose state? >> well, to kind of backtrack a little bit, when i first started there at san jose state as a grad student there really wasn't anything. other than the g.i. bill certifying official. and then we kind of started -- i felt lost there. and then we kind of started putting together different resources. there was a veteran student organization that was started in 2009. more recently i transitioned out of school and i worked a job with the v.a. on campus where i provided services to vets on campus. part of my job is to pull in more resources for vets. but i think it's key for veterans to be successful as

students, and to make that transition from the military world back into the civilian world as positive as possible and as fluidly as possible. and it's a long process. so i think having those tools in place really helped to kind of expedite that and to make it a much better transition than if they just showed up back in the civilian world and no real direction on where to go. so these folks have not pushing for a couple of years and nothing has been happening. i want to do this. i want to take a break and come back and ask you a couple more questions about this erupt to bring a veterans resource center to san jose state university. there are a couple of websites you can visit. one is actually at san jose state and they give you resources. so log on to that website. and then you have a facebook page for the veterans student organization that is on there. so we'll be back and talk more about why this is needed at san jose state when we continue. ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ [ female announcer ] it's time healthy gets a dose of happy. new yoplait greek. bye-bye, stir. so long, sour. hello, happy. it's time to lick the lid again. ♪ omar and damian next to me are veterans of our armed services. they're trying to open up a

veterans resource center at san jose state university. now, at the time of this taping we've e-mailed san jose state to see what's taken so long and maybe approving a resource center. they in all honesty said it would take them 24 hours to get back to us. so that's why we're not able to have a response. but what response have you all gotten so far from the administration, from the board of trustees? >> well, we've approached the president and obviously his people. we gave them an offer to go ahead and have him as an honorary member over at the veteran student organization. and unfortunately, we have not gotten a certain response as far as hey, sure, the president would like to attend your meetings or -- mostly it's been we'll pass this information along to the president. >> do you think the delay is -- in giving you all a resource

center is the capacity, the space, or is it a funding issue? >> the university says that it's a space issue. currently, there's a lot of construction projects going on. >> sure. >> a couple hundred million dollars' worth. funding is not the issue because we're very confident that we don't need funding from the university. we're not asking for money. we can easily raise the funds from the outside community as other resource centers have done such as city college san francisco. and a few others in the local community. >> again, i just want to be fair because we don't have the university here to reply. >> sure. >> but what about those? what's the big deal in having a resource center? >> it's significant for the simple fact that we've got a lot of men and women who are now transitioning from the military back into, you know, civilian life. and a lot of these bright young folks want to go ahead and

pursue higher education. the hard thing about it is most of them, unfortunately, suffer from disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. >> sure. >> and at the same time also have other issues, you know, as far as i want to go ahead and use my g.i. bill but i don't know how o'o. who to turn to or who do i speak with and sometimes they get the wrong information. so having a veterans resource center on campus would be beneficial for the simple fact that it's going to be helping out a lot of veterans transition smoothly. >> and i would imagine that walking into the door of the administration is a little more difficult than walking into the door of a resource center where some of your peers are there who didn't experience what you've experienced. easier to walk through that door. >> much easier. i know for me it was always difficult having to deal with a civilian. not to speak badly with civilians, but i would much

rather have preferred to deal with another vet or someone who's very familiar with veteran culture, military culture, and how to interact with veterans. >> i mean, and especially now. we have so many returning service members from afghanistan, and the numbers are going to double. so i would imagine now is a vital time to make sure that we provide them with what they need. >> yes. it's very important because obviously due to the sequestration there's a lot of cuts in the defense department. and obviously you're going to have a lot of branches, the army, navy, marines, coast guard, they're going to be releasing, discharging a lot of their men and women. so obviously these f. these men and women want to go ahead and update their skills and progress and earn a higher education. >> that they've earned. >> exactly. >> we'll extend an invitation to president moe, president of san jose state university. if you'd like to come on and

talk about maybe why there's a delay, maybe how something can be done to help you all out, we will do that as well. thank you all for what you're doing. let's share the website one more time. one is the san jose state website that does have resources for veterans. just not a resource center. and then the facebook page for the veteran student organization. thank you all so much, first for serving and second for what you continue to do. all right. and up next here on "comunidad del valle" some amazing entrepreneurs. stay with us. ♪

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♪ and there's nothing really good around ♪ ♪ turn around ♪ every now and then i get a little bit tired ♪ ♪ of living off the taste of the air ♪ ♪ turn around, barry ♪ i finally found the right snack ♪ ♪ ♪ i finally found the right snack ♪ try new fiber one peanut butter protein bars. a new america is recognizing some amazing entrepreneurs. a couple of them are here with me on "comunidad del valle." jeff butler runs a women's business center, and betty madrigal is the amazing entrepreneur of the year by new america. congratulations and welcome to the show. >> thank you so much. >> tell us first of all about your daycare and your facility and why you were selected. >> it's multicultural and

bilingual. so we think when the children feel happy we have a happy future. are they getting a special place with a special program. we try -- the kids have healthy lives and prevent the obesity. so we make the exercise, the children feel free to love and play and we don't need tvs or video games. >> wow. do you think -- i need some advice from you. but you think that's the main reason you were selected? >> i think that's one. and the other is we have very good opportunities. what we need for open the daycare and focus, what the community need. >> i mean, that's how it's supposed to be. jeff, tell us about the women's business center. you're all going to be recognized at this upcoming event in oakland coming up. but go ahead. >> basically the women's business center is part of the new america corporation.

we are a bay area non-profit working in all nine bay area counties and we help people start and grow their small businesses. we work with anybody and everybody but we have a particular focus on immigrant entrepreneurs because they have a lot to contribute. the women's business center is a particular part of new america which basically makes sure that women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses get the support access to resources they need to start up and be successful. >> your thoughts on what betty's been able to accomplish and you've been able to help. >> betty, she gives us some good props to new america, but really just like all the entrepreneurs in our program betty is the one that's done all the work to start and grow her own business. she's been in business almost a year now. she mentioned some special features she has with her daycare center, paying attention to nutrition and not just keeping them safe. to get a business up and running is a lot of work and especially with a childcare there's a lot of rules and regulations. she powered through all of that. she's up to full capacity as far as her license allows for her

daycare now and she's just doing great. and we're tremendously proud of her. and that's why she's getting the award. our business expo, which is an annual event that we do and this year is coming up on thursday, august 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the kaiser rooftop garden center. >> we'll have all the information at the end of the segment. aside from being well organized to run your business. how much patience is needed to be successful? [ speaking spanish ] to be able to run a business like that. >> i think when you like something it's your passion. so we love the kids. i love the kids. my mom is a teacher and i have only one son. we have more than 17 years experience with the kids. when the kids feel free and happy it's more easy. >> you could have done this alone, but how much help was the new america and how much did they help you make it a successful business plan and

business model? >> i would invite everyone that have idea and especially when you're an immigrant and come to the united states, everything is new. the language, the -- too many. but new america help you not only focus what you need to do, help step by the step what you need. so exactly what jeff say. what we need for opening it. you have idea, go ahead. you need learning. so we take -- it's a wonderful class, a business class, business program class, helped me with my business plans. and also with the cash flow. what you need before you start the business. step by step they help me with new america, where we need to go, who call, what class you need to do, what license you need to pass. what the city wanted. new america always helps with new entrepreneurs. >> maybe there's a misconception, jeff, that you have to be daring and a risk taker to open up your own shop.

but tell us what it takes. put people at ease who say i could never do it, i could never be an entrepreneur. >> basically, if you want to, you can. the key really is to really be sure it's something you want to do, first of all. and then secondly to get the proper preparation. so like betty was saying, the education, writing a business plan, checking out -- there's lots of resources out there. programs like ours. but lots of good organizations and programs that can help you out. it can be a lot of work, but if you are clear on your desire and you do the proper preparation and get people to help you out, you can get there. so you don't have to be a special superhero. you just have to go about it the right way and avail yourself of the resources and help that are out there. >> and it sounds like once they leave the nest, if you will, you're flying with them. you don't let them go out on their own. you're always there to see if they need help and anything else. >> absolutely not -- or absolutely true, yes.

and like i was saying before, i want to be clear once more that it's the entrepreneurs like betty who actually do the work. they're the ones who deserve the credit for really making it happen. but we're there to support and to help and to guide where we can. and the key feature of our program is that we're with folks for a minimum of three years to make sure that they not only start successfully but are set on a path to growth and success for the long term. because it's a long-term proposition. so yes, we are with them definitely for the long term. >> finally, betty, your advice to women out there to go get it if they want it. what's your advice to them? >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> what would you tell them? >> i want to say for this year we feel too many surprise. when i have a dream, one day i go to white house and everybody say you are crazy. so this year we're going to the white house because we have somebody push and say you need to do. i think -- i want to say

everybody if you have a dream, you want to do it something, or maybe you know, go ahead with the opportunity you have and do it. if you are wrong, that's okay. the mistake happen. so do it. and when you do it too many times and you are good, and anything you have and you have somebody support you, you do your dream, one day. >> and do it with a smile on your face just like betty. again, they're having a micro business event happening in oakland on august 29th at the kaiser center roof garden there in oakland. there is their web address for more information on a new america. it's a great opportunity to learn more about how you can start your own business. thank you all so much for the work you're doing. >> thank you so much. up next on "comunidad del valle," fashionista flor demaria rivera. stay with us. ♪

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telemundo went off to new york city and became a fashion model, a blogger, a fashion expert. she was a cover girl and whatnot. we're happy to be joined on "comunidad del valle" by flor de maria rivera of fl flor de maria rivera fashion. >> what a nice welcome. >> let me give you a sample of some of her work. you went how long, two or three years ago? >> a year and a half ago. >> she left new york city. and look she's on the cover of "people in espanol." what was that like? >> like betty said before, you always have to follow your dreams. and you're right. i worked at telemundo just next door, and i did sports. but fashion was always my other passion. so i started the blog in 2010 and then you invited me on your program in 2011 and then the blog just started keep on getting bigger and bigger, more traffic. i said i always want to go to new york city. i'm a big fan of "sex and the city." you know that show.

>> of course. so am i. >> your wife probably is. that was at the white house. that was one of -- i was to proud to go there. i came from peru when i was 14. i never thought that would be something that happened. you always dream big. anyway, i'm in new york. so just one day i said i always want to go to new york and this is the right time. >> [ speak spanish ]. you didn't know anybody? you didn't know where to go maybe? you just went and you made yourself -- you introduced yourself to a lot of important people. >> that's what you have to do. i knew new york is one of the top fashion capitals in the world and i knew that if i wanted to make it in this market i needed to go to new york. so i went -- i didn't know anybody. i showed up. if you ask me now if i would do it all over again, i would be like how did flor did it back then? so i didn't know anybody. but you just have to start knocking doors. and i'm always grateful for all the people that opened their doors.

you know, i've worked with "people" in espanol. i was a cover girl. so you don't have to be like a model or like skinny -- >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> thank you. but no, you know what i love. i'm just a regular girl. i'm latina. i have curves. that tells me you don't have to be like skinny and just -- that's a misperception that a lot of people have. and you can just be a natural and go after your dreams and always prepare for what you want. >> and you blog about what? and how often do you blog? and who's reading your blog? >> it's bilingual. for example, the outfits that i wear, i talk about what i'm wearing. and then also beauty. i started beauty sundays, too. beauty tips. and then i also have fashion segments on telemundo. i'm going to start here in the bay area on thursday. just a little bit of everything. and i write for cosmopolitana. everything fashion and beauty. >> what is wrong with what i'm wearing? i'm wearing stripes on stripes. >> there's nothing wrong with

that. >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> no, i love the pinstripes too. a lot of men don't realize that you have to show a little bit of your shirt. you've just got it all. you're right. >> i've been reading your blog. that's why. >> for men just don't wear everything baggy. just make it a little bit more fitted. and for girls the best advice i can give anybody is dress for your body type. you know. >> did you go to fashion school at all? >> no. >> nada? >> nada. everything started like i say it was a passion and what i can do, i start on my blog, and soon enough of course i start going to conferences. i started studying. it wasn't -- it happened. because i also do styling. i was worried about the different colors, the fabrics, the materials. and just being in new york i attend a lot of events. either fashion or beauty before things even come out on the market. it helps me to review, to try them out before i even talk

about it on my blog or in social media. >> you've conquered new york city already. what's next for you? >> oh, damiancito, you put me on the spot. that's a good question. new york was even bigger than i ever thought. you know, i was on cosmopolitanas. i was on siempre mujer magazine. it was bigger than anything. eventually i want to have a shoe line. i'm going to spend more time here. here in california in the bay area. and i'm going to be going to new york also to do my tv segments and everything else. but i think eventually i want to do a shoe line. you know, i want to do a shoe line and empower latina women and women in general. you know. just teach them what i've learned so far. what i've done. you know, i think every woman, we can all be beautiful. it's just you have to wear the right clothes and just always have like a smile. i always say that's like the best accessory. >> it totally is.

september is right around the corner. fashion tips for maybe the end of summer or the beginning of fall. >> yes. for new york fashion week. damiancito, you know new york fashion week. >> no, no. >> i actually think fall is around the corner. great tip, how to turn from summer into fall would be for example you're wearing a dress like mine right now you can wear iets instead of sandals. little booties and put a leather jacket on. then make sure you have like a scarf. now in new york it gets super cold. i forgot how cold it gets here. i know it doesn't bet that cold. blue is a hot collar for upcoming fall. cobalt blue. any of those colors, too. and for fashion tips of course you can find me on my blog. >> we're going to show you that website. in fact, there it is. what can they get by going on there? >> they can get everything. like said. where you get the clothes.

how to dress fashionably without spending a lot of money is important. i like to spend money on shoes and who doesn't? but i can also wear shoes that are less than 20 tds. beauty tips. if you have any questions you can also find me on facebook, twitter, instagram. flor de maria fashion. >> she also has a lot rich clients. she tells them how they should dress for a specific gala. very proud of you. >> thank you for having me. >> [ speaking spanish ]. >> gracias. >> we want to thank those people who help us out with this show. el observeador newspaper. send us any quu might have. there's my e-mail address. my twitter handle i is @newsdamian. pick up a copy of "el observador." thank you for watching. we'll see you again next week. buenos dias. ♪ all right, let's go

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