Sembrando un Nuevo Camino: Latino Men Reenvisioning their role in Community

A monthly circle for Latino Men Reenvisioning their role in Community

• February 22nd – Why are we here?
• March 29 – Understanding Masculinity and Femininity
• April 26 – Exploring Self-Love
• May 31st – Compassion as a Practice

Facilitated by Ruben Gerena and Jupiter García

Rubén Gerena is currently an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Human Services department at National Louis University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Phoenix University and his master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus College. Rubén has spent over 25 years working with youth in Chicago. While mentoring youth in the Alternative school system, he helped to establish initiatives that have led to a large array of youth-focused programs across the city of Chicago that are still impacting communities. Some of these programs focused on addressing the trauma that has been experienced through gun violence and domestic violence. In addition, Ruben has been a part of city-wide initiatives in helping to address recidivism rates primarily in the south and southwest sides of the city, through increasing job readiness programs and life skills training that have been proven to decrease the number of individuals returning to Pr*son. Ruben is also an advocate for Restorative Justice practices and is a circle keeper.

Rubén is also a Lucumí priest (Olorisha) and is ordained in the secrets of Obàtálá. Rubén is a drummer and has been studying Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena music and Dance since his teenage years. In addition, Rubén is a Drum maker and has taught youth and adults throughout the city to make their drums as a method of helping people reaffirm their own cultural identity. Currently, Ruben is the Board President of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, a leader in Afro-Puerto Rican arts.

Jupiter Garcia, a seasoned practitioner from Chicago, brings over 17 years of diverse healing experience. Coming from a lineage of curanderas, Jupiter's extensive background, rooted in Buddhism and Ifa, encompasses Reiki practice and teaching, chakra balancing, and access to the Akashic Records, providing multi-dimensional healing opportunities.

With a profound commitment to trauma healing, Jupiter has dedicated years to facilitating healing groups for survivors of childhood abuse and guiding ancestral healing work. This experience informs Jupiter's compassionate, trauma-sensitive approach to wellness and personal transformation.

As an experienced meditation guide, Jupiter leads bilingual meditation sessions that help participants cultivate present-moment awareness and inner peace. These group experiences are complemented by Jupiter's one-on-one coaching, where individualized guidance helps clients develop sustainable practices for emotional regulation, stress management, and enhanced well-being.

Jupiter creates safe, supportive spaces where healing can naturally unfold, anchored in ancient wisdom. Clients benefit from Jupiter's holistic methodology that addresses mind, body, and spirit connections, offering pathways to profound healing and personal growth.

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Host or Publisher 18th Street Casa de Cultura