* LCL Alumni
Where are they now?
Defining ourselves as women is a life long journey. We celebrate the journey that we shared with our past participants and look forward to their continued success. See below for more information about what members of the LCL family are doing today:
Santanna Sheneal Benford
Santanna Sheneal Benford was a member of LCL for 2- years. Her passion for fashion is intense and she is relentless in her pursuit to become a model, singer and actor. Through her experience at LCL she was introduced to Chris Curse of CCurse and Company. Chris, along with photographer Ernest Collins, launched Santanna’s modeling career which continues to bring her international recognition. Santanna recently became the “Edge Control” and “Smooth and Hold Hair Pudding” model with Organic Root Stimulator. She is also a member of a three-girl pop group named Ador. In addition to her modeling and singing, Santana is sophomore at Indiana State University studying theater and dance. She is very grateful to her family who helps her to manage her school, shows and auditions. When asked about the three things that she will always remember about her experience with LCL she shared the following: 1) The ladies of LCL were our mentors from start to finish, and when I said finish I don’t just mean until the program is over, I meant forever, 2) the trip to Washington DC and 3) Cecelia Colon, LCL Guest Speaker; that woman is amazing, writing poetry, and having each of our stories heard.
Lulu Matute
Lulu Matute participated in LCL for 4-years. She now lives in Treasure Island, San Francisco and is a member of the 1 Job Corp in the country. She plans to attend San Francisco city college on a 2-year scholarship. Eventually she would like to transfer to Berkeley and major in Anthropology/ Business. Lulu has devoted her life to giving and to helping others through art, community leadership, mentorship and philanthropy and as a result her long-term goals is to be involved in multiple non-profits in different cities across the U.S and in developing countries around the world. Currently, Lulu is working on Da’fli Network an organization of artists, poets, photographers, musicians, and models that work together to accomplish our goals and to transform our communities through expression and partnership. She also volunteers at Heart of the City Farmer’s Market and Glide Church in San Francisco. When asked about the three things that she will always remember about her experience with LCL she shared the following: 1) LCL helped me develop a sense of self and confidence; I am sure about where I am going and what I will achieve. 2) I learned that you have to give back to your community by passing the torch as our mentors did for us 3) I also learned that we are limitless and can achieve whatever it is we want, regardless of circumstances, we have the power to transform and grow.
Emily O'Callahan
Emily O’Callahan participated in LCL for 4-years. She recently finished her first semester at Concordia University in River Forest, IL and is now living on campus. Her major is currently undecided and she is debating between education and sports management. However, Emily is leaning more towards the Sports Management side. She is also a member of the Latino Student Union, participant in the Improv and Yearbook clubs and manager of the boys basketball team. When asked about the three things that she will always remember about her experience with LCL she shared the following: 1) the friendships I’ve made, 2) the things I learned about myself and how to better myself and 3) all of the group activities we did were always fun!
Alejandra Rodriguez
Alejandra Rodriguez participated in LCL for 4-years. She is now a sophomore at Robert Morris University. It is her goal to become a social worker for either domestic violence counseling or alcohol and drug counseling. She also wishes to continue in her modeling career; she is very excited about her recent feature on the Nike Sportwear website and an upcoming fashion show in New York. Alex is also has plans to be the model coach for the 2012 Miss Illinois Latina Finalists for which she was a 2011 finalist. As a part of her commitment to herself and her community, Alex participates in Junior Achievement and Cooks for a Cause. She is also a cheerleader at her university and is making plans to start a cheerleading team at Emmet Elementary School. When asked about the three things that she will always remember about her experience with LCL she shared the following: 1) learning in workshops helped me not only learn about myself, but about these amazing girls sitting next to me; they were more than just people in a mentoring group with me, they are more like sisters, 2) sleepovers and cookouts where we laughed all night long and bonded like no other, and 3) our cultural immersion trips gave me so many memories and experiences to share!
