Each month, SWE spotlights one of our 22 Affinity Groups (AGs). As part of their spotlight month, the HeForSWE AG shares their leadership and goals.
Hear from some of the 2024 APEX Award recipients speaking about their career milestones and learning lessons.
SWE members Kayli Battel, Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri, Kiran Malik, and Sai Naveena share advice on financial fearlessness, based on their popular talk at WE24.
Find out how Monica, a SWENext Influencer based in South Korea, is blending her passions for STEM and mental health to help teen girls heal their negative body image.
Explore how STEM leaders can foster an inclusive environment for birthing parents, plus self-advocacy tips in the postpartum period, in this new episode of Diverse: a SWE podcast!
Miami’s cultural landmarks don’t just decorate the cityscape; they tell the story of a vibrant, ever-evolving community. From artistic innovation to tales of resilience, each location holds a piece of the city’s soul. For anyone looking to understand Miami, or use its unique allure in a meaningful way, these landmarks offer more than meets the eye.
Wynwood Walls: A Testament to Urban Renewal
Once a forgotten industrial area, Wynwood transformed into an open-air art gallery that draws millions of visitors annually. The Wynwood Walls showcase over 50 murals, crafted by renowned artists from around the world. These aren’t just decorative, they’re statements about culture, identity, and the power of creativity.
Hidden Stories:
- Farid Rueda’s kaleidoscopic murals highlight the fusion of Latin American culture with urban art, reflecting Miami’s multicultural tapestry.
- Hebru Brantley’s characters bring Afro-futuristic elements to the Walls, representing a celebration of Black culture in a global context.
- Peter Tunney’s “Gratitude” and “Change the Way You See Everything” murals stand as symbols of optimism, echoing the community’s hope for continuous growth.
The Wynwood Walls don’t just breathe life into art, they redefine the space as a global beacon of creative expression, where art and community intersect.
Little Havana: A Living Slice of Cuban Heritage
Little Havana is more than a neighborhood; it’s an emotional connection to Cuba’s history and culture. As you walk down Calle Ocho, the scents of fresh coffee and cigar smoke intermingle with the sounds of salsa music and Spanish chatter. Little Havana’s vibrant traditions and deep-rooted heritage have not only enriched Miami but also inspired marketers who see the power of culture in driving authentic connections..
Hidden Stories:
- Calle Ocho Walk of Fame: This stretch celebrates prominent Cubans and other Latinos who’ve made a significant cultural impact, from music to politics.
- Domino Park: Known as Máximo Gómez Park, this spot serves as a cultural hub where locals play dominos, debate politics, and keep the heartbeat of the community alive.
- Tower Theater: Built in 1926, the theater became a lifeline for Cuban immigrants in the 1960s by showing Spanish-subtitled films, blending entertainment with cultural acclimatization.
Little Havana isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a sensory immersion into the Cuban experience. From its art-filled streets to its storied venues, every detail reveals the spirit of a people who carried their culture across the ocean.
Art Deco District: Miami’s Architectural Treasure Chest
Walking through Miami Beach’s Art Deco District feels like stepping into a 1930s postcard. These pastel-colored, geometric buildings reflect an era when Miami emerged as a glamorous tourist destination. Today, the district is a protected area, preserving its architectural legacy while remaining a cornerstone of Miami’s identity.
Hidden Stories:
- The district’s iconic design was born from a fusion of modernity and tropical flair, using colors and motifs inspired by the sun, sea, and sand.
- Notable landmarks like the Colony Hotel and Villa Casa Casuarina (formerly Gianni Versace’s mansion) offer windows into Miami’s roaring past.
- Behind their aesthetic charm lies an enduring legacy of innovation, these buildings were among the first to experiment with efficient designs for tropical climates.
Art Deco in Miami is more than an architectural style; it’s a celebration of the city’s ability to balance elegance, practicality, and allure.
Adrienne Arsht Center: A Contemporary Cultural Powerhouse
Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts isn’t just a venue; it’s a modern-day testament to the city’s commitment to culture. Its sleek, futuristic design, coupled with world-class acoustics, positions it as a premier destination for artistic expression.
Hidden Stories:
- The center’s stunning 40-foot acoustic dome was designed to optimize sound, making it one of the most advanced performance venues in the world.
- From ballet to Broadway, the Arsht Center’s diverse programming mirrors Miami’s multifaceted identity.
- The venue has also become a hub for community outreach, offering educational programs that foster a love of the arts in the next generation.
This landmark is a reflection of Miami’s future-facing vision, where technology and culture coexist to create transformative experiences.
Connecting the Cultural Dots: A Broader Picture
Miami’s landmarks are not isolated attractions, they are interwoven threads in the city’s cultural fabric. Together, they tell a cohesive story of resilience, innovation, and community. By appreciating the hidden stories of each, we gain deeper insight into what makes Miami truly one of a kind.
Thematic Links Between Landmarks:
- Resilience in the Face of Change: Wynwood Walls showcases art’s ability to uplift neglected spaces, just as Little Havana preserves traditions despite displacement.
- Celebration of Diversity: From Afro-futuristic murals to Cuban heritage, these landmarks embody Miami’s multicultural roots.
- Artistry and Innovation: Whether through Art Deco design or the Arsht Center’s state-of-the-art features, Miami consistently finds ways to merge creativity with progress.
Why These Landmarks Matter to Everyone
Understanding Miami’s landmarks isn’t just for historians or marketers. These places embody universal themes: the power of art, the importance of community, and the celebration of heritage. Whether you’re a visitor, a resident, or a business hoping to connect, these landmarks are Miami’s love letters to its people and the world.
Get ready to dive into a conversation that’s as refreshing as a day on the waves with Mick Heyman, CFA, the author of Mellow Your Money: How to Surf the Market and Build Wealth Without Stressing Yourself Out. With a 40-year career in wealth management and a knack for blending philosophy, psychology, and sound financial advice, Mick has perfected the art of helping people take the stress out of investing. In his book, he offers a fun and approachable way to ride the market’s ups and downs without wiping out. Whether he’s managing billions in assets or catching waves with his kids in sunny San Diego, Mick knows how to keep things balanced—and he’s here to share how you can mellow your money, too.
Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
Joshua Radner would be perfect for the role, similar to the role he played in “How I met your mother.” He was, on the one hand likeable, but also sometimes frustrating, as he appeared to have somewhat neurotic behavior at times. But what came through was that he was always hopeful and that is the character I write about as myself in the stories in my book. Like his character in the show, my misadventures always led to great life lessons, as painful as some of them might have been.
Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?
When I was young, I had trouble speaking and spent several years in speech therapy. This left me quite nervous to speak in public and in college I don’t think that I raised my hand one time. Eventually I had a friend encourage me to take a Dale Carnegie class. In that class I learned how to speak publicly by just being myself and eventually I began to enjoy the experience. Soon I discovered that overcoming this fear actually led me to discovering a strength of mine. Eventually I took a job that focused me on making public presentations and led to great success. What an unpredictable path for me!
Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
All of our experiences whether good or painful, as well as people in our lives, even the most difficult ones, can be gifts from the universe to help teach us valuable lessons to help us grow and become both wiser and happier along our life’s journey.
Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
Edwin Lefevre who is the pen name for Jesse Livermore wrote what I consider the best book on investing over 100 years ago called Reminiscences of a Stock Operator. He wrote about how each of his experiences, often in losing trades taught him such valuable lessons. Though the markets have changed dramatically over time, his lessons are as valuable now as they were then because human emotions haven’t changed and that is what drives the markets. Hopefully I was able to model my book in a small way after his style.
Q .Tell us something about you that no one else knows
Once my mom went for an emergency surgery for an unknown reason that was causing an enormous amount of internal bleeding. The doctors were quite unsure whether she would survive, and she looked green when they wheeled her in. I thought I was telling her goodbye and I love you for the last time. During the night I felt horrible and was sure I would never see her again, and then as morning broke, I heard a strong voice inside of me saying, “It’s okay now. She survived and will be fine.” It was more than a thought and startled me but also convinced me she was fine. Minutes later the Doctor walked out with a smile on his face. Since then, I always felt that inside we have a wisdom and knowledge that all of us can access if we allow it, and this has allowed me to have faith so many times when I was in despair.
Q. What book has made you cry, why?
I can cry easily at movies but rarely with books but the end of “A Man called Ove” by Fredrick Backman had me in tears. It was the beautifully written story of a man who was able to find joy and a reawakening in life as well as help others along the way despite having previously lost all hope. When I eventually saw the movie as well as the remake, they both had me in tears too.
Q. What is your dream vacation?
To be with my loved ones on a beautiful beach, enjoying the surf, good food and lots of laughs. Well actually I live in San Diego, so often, I don’t have to go too far to experience some of this joy!
Q. If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?
For me and everyone I wish for good health, love and peace of mind.
Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?
I learned how to surf when I was 45, my daughter was born when I was 50 and my first book was published when I was 65. Who says old people can’t learn!
Q. How did you come up with your title?
I believe that despite all the daily noise that surrounds the markets and our lives, that it is possible to find ways to ignore that noise and find more peace and less stress regarding our money. Hence, find ways to “Mellow Your Money.” And I also believe that that surfing became a nice metaphor, as despite potential fears of the unknown in the water and how nature can be unpredictable, that we can find that moment of calm while surfing, whether it be in the ocean or in the markets. That moment of calm often happens in the ocean as we narrow our focus or similarly, in the markets as we narrow our focus on the long term. The result is that despite the energy of the ocean or in the markets, by focusing our energy on a productive way, we can reduce our stress and in the long term, build our wealth, hence the sub-title.
Part 2 – Rapid Fire
- Pineapple or Kiwi? Pineapple
- Pizza or Burger? Burger
- Beach or Mountain? Beach
- Dog or Cat? Cat
- Comedy or Drama? Comedy
- The city or the country? Country
- Fame or Fortune? Fame
- Love or Money? Love
- Voice Call or Video Call? Voice Call
- Cars or Motorbikes? Cars
- Action Movies or Horror Movies? Action
Check out Mellow Your Money now.
Check out another author interview here.
As part of the First-Generation Students and Professionals Affinity Group’s spotlight month, the AG discusses strategies on how first-gen women can talk to their families about their jobs/studies.
Dr. Teenie Matlock shares how her Native heritage shaped her upbringing, educational journey, perspective, and career in STEM in this new episode of Diverse!
Take your holiday decorating to the next level by incorporating flags in your holiday display. Flags are versatile and will add a touch of uniqueness to your holiday celebration. From outdoor displays to indoor embellishments, flags offer many decorative possibilities. Here are five creative ways to use flags in your Christmas decor.
1- Decorative Outdoor Decor
Line your walkway or driveway with decorative flags to make visitors feel welcome. Add a touch of Christmas by adding a garden flag to your yard or any outside planters for a festive look. Add fairy lights to help the flags stand out and make them visible at night. Have a household that believes in Santa or Father Christmas? Hang a flag to show him that your house is full of believers.
2- Flag Bunting
Trade in the garland that hangs over the mantel or down the staircase for a flag bunting instead. Gather solid-colored or decorative flags that match your decor and string them together. Use the bunting to showcase your mantel, hang it down your staircase, around your door, or anywhere you would hang the garland. Hang buntings in bedrooms to create a festive atmosphere. It will be a fun DIY project that will be an eye-catching decoration.
3- Centerpieces and Table Decorations
Add a special touch to your centerpieces and table decorations by adding flags. A festive flag will add a touch of color or interest to your centerpieces. For instance, if you are using greenery to decorate your table, add some small flags to give it a touch of color. Add flags to poinsettia and other holiday plants to get them an extra element of interest. Consider making place settings with the flags. After the holiday meal is over, guests can take their flag home as an extra little gift.
4- Tree Ornaments
Use small flags as tree ornaments. Attach the flags to branches using twine or ribbons. Scatter them among your usual ornaments for a festive display. If your tree is an American theme, a flag as a tree topper would be a fun addition
Another idea is to consider a Christmas around the world theme. Children, especially, will find this to be a fun activity. Learn about other countries’ Christmas traditions and place a flag on your tree to represent them.
5- Wreaths
Skip the traditional green wreath this year and create something that will stand out. A flag wreath would be a unique decoration that will have your home standing out among your neighbors. One way is to use a green wreath as a base and add flags of your choice. Another option is to purchase a styrofoam or wire base. Add some festive ribbons and your flags to make a one-of-a-kind wreath. Create additional wreaths to hang in your windows to complete the look.
Incorporating decorative flags into your Christmas decor is a fun way to add a unique festive flair to your home. From crafting buntings and wreaths to welcoming Santa with a big flag, your home will become a warm and cheerful place. Add decorative flags to your decor to begin new traditions and create lasting memories.