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Meet Your Editor in Chief

by with No Comment July 2023

I am Cortes Maria Lewis James, your Miami-Dade Siti Girl Magazine EIC. Thank you for allowing me to take you on a Magic City ride through Miami-Dade County. This magazine will cover hot topics, hotter people, and the hottest of all our climates. I am a serial entrepreneur with over thirty-five years of advocacy experience driven to establish strategic policies for incarcerated women and girls nationwide to obtain an improved quality of life around health, education, and economics once they are released. I enjoy building relationships with key stakeholders through collaborations. I am the AdvocatePreneur, Guardian Ad Litem guru, and a financial enthusiast.

Please email us at miamidadesitigirlmag@gmail.com for a feature or if you have a hot topic to share.

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Beauty Is Her Name

by with No Comment July 2023

Who is Monique Coney?

I am a Miami native, born and raised in the Magic City; I currently live in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I am a model, pageant titleholder, host, media correspondent, author, community volunteer, and public speaker. I am looking to grow in the fashion community, the entertainment industry, and the world of international pageantry. I started my commercial, print, and runway model career in early 2019.  Through modeling, I was introduced to the world of pageantry. As a title holder, I have been able to speak throughout the community on health and wellness topics, social issues. I also serve as a mentor and role model to young women.

How do you serve your community?

My community platform is the newly created “S.E.R.V.E,” Serving Everywhere Resiliently and Virtuously on Earth. The goal of “S.E.R.V.E” is to promote the spirit of volunteerism and community service worldwide. My hope is to give motivational encouragement through my social media platform of “MoniQ Endeavors,” @moniqendeavors, where the goal is to empower the community through confidence and acts of service along with travel, environmental awareness, health, wellness, and fashion to make every day endeavors meaningful ones. I am a member of Chi Sigma Delta Sorority Incorporated, where I serve on the National Board as National Marketing Director and as Queen’s Care Liaison for the Miami-Dade county chapter of Mu Kappa. I currently work as a 911 Dispatcher, and I am a graduate of Miami Dade College of Miami, Fl. My future goal is to have a new career in journalism as well as real estate and start my own tour guide business in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I look forward to learning, growing, and continuing my love of service internationally.

What is your life’s ambition?

I strive to serve. I want my life to encompass serving and helping others. I want to be a role model and set a good example in all factions of my life because one never knows who is looking and who is being inspired by your actions. I hope to make my family and friends proud of me and hope that I get to live a full, meaningful life.

What does your volunteer life look like?

I currently volunteer on the National Board of my sorority, Chi Sigma Delta Sorority Incorporated, as the National Marketing Director. I also volunteer on the committee of the Chi Sigma Delta Sorority Incorporated Mentorship Program called Young Fly Queens. I volunteer in my local chapter of the Mu Kappa Chapter of Chi Sigma Delta as Queen’s Care Liaison and Event Coordinator. Also, with the Mu Kappa Chapter, we have done monthly community service projects to support and bring awareness to Autism. Prepared care bags for the City of Ft. Lauderdale unhoused community, community gardening with Health in the Hood, Back to School drive with the City of Miami Gardens, and holiday cards for Veterans with Support Our Troops.  I volunteer as a Royal Ambassador with the U.S. United Pageant System, where I serve throughout the community at Breast Cancer Awareness Walks as well as Community Food Drives with organizations such as Health in the Hood and Feeding South Florida, community street clean-ups, citizen beach clean-ups, Christmas toy drives, and donating to community food pantries. Finally, I have donated my time virtually to many organizations such as St. Jude’s Hospital, Nationwide Childen’s Hospital, Queen’s Village: The Podcast, and DG Designing the Future: Women Winning in Business.

What world leader inspires you?

A world leader who inspires me is Greta Thunberg. The work that she is doing as a young activist is phenomenal! She is inspiring because, at such a young age, she is confident and unapologetic for the cause of climate change mitigation. I love how she inspires us, in the smallest ways, to make everyday lifestyle changes to reduce our carbon footprint. She challenges us to not just look for hope but to create it!

What is your favorite food?

 I LOVE GRILLED, STEAMED, BAKED, OR BAG-BOILED SEAFOOD!

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Still Looking For Summer Fun?

by with No Comment FamilyJuly 2023

Summer break is a great time to spend quality moments with your family. Whether you’re planning a vacation or enjoying some downtime at home, there are many activities you can do together to make the most of your time off. Here are some ideas:

1. Plan a family trip: Explore new destinations and create lasting memories by going on a vacation together. You can visit a beach, go camping, or explore a new city. Involve your family in the planning process to ensure everyone’s interests are considered.

2. Enjoy outdoor activities: Take advantage of the warm weather and engage in outdoor activities. Go hiking, biking, swimming, or have a picnic in a nearby park. These activities provide opportunities for bonding and physical exercise.

3. Have a movie or game night: Set aside a specific evening each week for a movie or game night with the family. Allow everyone to take turns choosing a movie or game, creating a fun and inclusive experience.

4. Cook or bake together: Spend time in the kitchen and prepare meals or bake treats together. This not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also promotes teamwork and creativity. Try new recipes or make family favorites.

5. Explore local attractions: Discover the attractions and events in your local area. Visit museums, zoos, or amusement parks nearby. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you find close to home.

6. Volunteer together: Find volunteer opportunities as a family. Choose a cause that resonates with your family and spend time helping others. It’s a meaningful way to bond while making a positive impact on your community.

7. Start a family project: Engage in a collective project that requires teamwork and creativity. It could be building something, creating a family scrapbook, or working on a garden. The project allows everyone to contribute their ideas and efforts.

8. Learn something new: Enroll in a summer class or workshop as a family. It could be a cooking class, art workshop, or a sports activity. Learning together not only enhances your skills but also strengthens family bonds.

9. Have regular family discussions: Dedicate specific times to have open and meaningful conversations with your family members. Share stories, discuss goals, and reflect on your experiences. This helps build trust and understanding among family members.

Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time together and create cherished memories. It doesn’t matter how grand or simple the activities are; what matters is the love and connection you foster as a family. Enjoy your summer break!

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Nurturing Black Repro Health: Empowering Young Adults for a Healthier Future

by with No Comment Black and ReproJuly 2023

As young adults, understanding and advocating for our reproductive health is essential. For Black individuals, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges and disparities we may face within the healthcare system. By equipping ourselves with knowledge, fostering open conversations, and demanding change, we can work towards a future of improved Black reproductive health. This article aims to explore key topics and provide guidance for young adults navigating the realm of reproductive health.

1. Breaking the Stigma: Embracing Open Dialogue
– Discussing reproductive health can sometimes be uncomfortable due to societal taboos and cultural norms. Let’s challenge these stigmas and foster open conversations within our communities.
– Highlighting the importance of destigmatizing discussions around contraception, sexual health, and reproductive rights to ensure informed decision-making.

2. Empowering Choices: Accessing Reproductive Healthcare
– Knowledge is power! Educate yourself on available reproductive healthcare options such as birth control methods, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and family planning resources.
– Recognizing the impact of healthcare disparities on Black communities and advocating for accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare services.

3. Navigating Relationships: Healthy Intimacy and Consent
– Exploring the importance of healthy relationships, consent, and effective communication in promoting positive sexual experiences.
– Addressing the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation and how it shapes our experiences, desires, and boundaries.

4. Maternal Health Matters: Understanding Pregnancy and Beyond
– Recognizing the higher risks faced by Black women during pregnancy and childbirth.
– Discussing strategies for ensuring access to quality prenatal care, understanding maternal mortality rates, and advocating for comprehensive postpartum support.

5. Reproductive Justice: Fighting for Our Rights
– Explaining the concept of reproductive justice and its relevance to Black communities.
– Encouraging young adults to engage in activism and advocacy efforts to address systemic racism, healthcare inequities, and the fight for reproductive autonomy.

6. Self-Care and Mental Health: Prioritizing Overall Well-being
– Emphasizing the importance of self-care practices, including stress management, emotional support, and mental health resources.
– Highlighting the impact of racial trauma on mental health and providing guidance for seeking culturally competent care.

By equipping ourselves with knowledge, engaging in open dialogue, and actively advocating for our reproductive health, we can pave the way for a healthier future. Let’s embrace our power as young adults to challenge societal norms, dismantle barriers, and demand equitable access to reproductive healthcare. Together, we can make a difference in nurturing the reproductive health and well-being of Black individuals and communities.

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Extreme heat in Miami-Dade County

by with No Comment ClimateJuly 2023

Global warming is a key driver of climate change and has implications for Miami, Florida. The term “global warming” refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

In the case of Miami, global warming contributes to several specific impacts:

  1. Sea-level rise: As global temperatures rise, the polar ice caps and glaciers melt, causing seawater to expand and sea levels to rise. Miami, with its low-lying geography, is particularly susceptible to the consequences of sea-level rise. It leads to increased coastal flooding, even during regular high tides, and poses a threat to infrastructure, property, and the environment.
  2. Increased hurricane risks: Global warming contributes to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for hurricanes to form and intensify. This can lead to more frequent and severe hurricanes, which pose significant risks to Miami due to its coastal location. Hurricanes can cause destructive storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding and damage to infrastructure.
  3. Heatwaves and extreme temperatures: Global warming contributes to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Miami, with its tropical climate, already experiences hot and humid conditions, but rising temperatures exacerbate the issue. Heatwaves can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, and put additional strain on energy systems for cooling.
  4. Changing precipitation patterns: Global warming can influence rainfall patterns, leading to shifts in the timing, intensity, and distribution of precipitation. Miami may experience more intense rainfall events, which can result in flash flooding and overwhelm drainage systems, leading to property damage and disruption.
  5. Ecosystem impacts: Global warming affects ecosystems and biodiversity. For Miami, this includes potential risks to coral reefs and coastal habitats, which provide natural protection from storm surges and support diverse marine life. Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching and other negative impacts on these fragile ecosystems.

To address the challenges posed by global warming and climate change, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices. Miami, like many other cities worldwide, is taking steps to mitigate and adapt to these changes by implementing climate action plans, investing in renewable energy, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting community awareness and involvement.