In partnership with

Dear Cultivators…

Strategy is math.

Content is language.

Marketing is impact.

Your story is the key that unlocks it all…

Since 1997, i have been proving to the market that I am not “ just on my phone”.

I built a community, a business and even helped others build businesses that eventually had successful exits.

My client base is a who’s who in cultural circles as well as pioneering Latino media landscape. I can only share it now because I am writing the book… anything else would be perceived as bragging.

Even as I intentionally try to list them all, I often remember one or two that I left off the list. Some of the names will surprise you because they may have omitted me in their narrative because it contradicts their story about how they are self-made.

This is what happens at times when you are first… being ahead of your time means you run the risk of someone doing it better or at the very least using resources you did not have… and just like that, what you have done has been erased or buried in a series of narratives that forgot who you are.

I have seen this happen to so many, I refuse to have it happen to me.

This is why I built Siembra Connect, because the need us to tell our truths and have our stories be the cornerstone for what’s next.

The problem is…

We hold on to our stories because they feel safer in silence.

Sometimes it’s fear of judgment.
Other times, it’s because we haven’t fully made peace with the story ourselves.
Or maybe we’ve been taught that being vulnerable is weakness…when in reality, it’s the bridge that connects us.

But here’s the truth:
A story unshared can’t inspire.
And sometimes, the very thing we’re afraid to say out loud is the thing someone else is desperate to hear.

Let it breathe. Let it teach. Let it grow.

-George

Follow me @SiembraConnect on Instagram

If you read this newsletter “I kindly request that from this point forward, all creators refrain from hustling backwards, chasing clout, or undervaluing their worth.” and be ready to learn from real world experience… I been at this for a minute.

A few years ago, I helped some new friends grow their brand from a few hundred followers to landing major corporate accounts without them going viral or selling their soul to the algorithm gods. They told their story, showcased what they do and today, as a result of that success… I own shares in their company. They continue to thrive and I know exactly how they got to this place.

Do you wanna know the secret?

They stopped being loud… and started being clear.
Then they aligned their message with their mission.
And only then did they turn up the volume.

That’s what amplification really is.
Not shouting into the noise.
It’s echoing your truth… in places that matter, to people who care.

💡 LESSON:

Amplification only works when you're already clear and aligned.
Otherwise, you’re just multiplying confusion.

When you’re clear, people remember you.
When you’re aligned, people trust you.
When you amplify, people act—they subscribe, share, support, and show up.

✅ Try This:

Here are 3 ways to Amplify With Intention:

1. Repurpose with purpose
   → Take your most resonant post and make it into a story, a reel, a newsletter mention, and a quote tweet.
   Let your best ideas live multiple lives.

2. Get in rooms your people are in
   → That could be a podcast, a live panel, a collab series on IG, or a hashtag thread on Threads.
   Don’t just post… participate.

3. Ask people to amplify you.
   → Seriously. Ask for testimonials. Ask for referrals. Ask your audience to tag a friend.
   Closed mouths don’t get booked.

🧠 Real Talk:

If you don’t amplify your message, someone else with less experience and less heart will.
And they’ll get the deal, the followers, the platform.
Not because they’re better.
But because they showed up louder and more consistently.

Let’s change that.

🔁 Homework:

What’s ONE post, project, or piece of content that’s already aligned… but you haven’t fully amplified yet?

Drop it in the comments—or better yet, tag @SiembraConnect and let’s help you push it out to the world.

We’re louder together.

Rosana Rodriguez born in NYC to parents who migrated from The Dominican Republic in 1963. They planted roots in Washington Heights where Rosana and her siblings were born and raised. Rosana has become a visionary for wellness within her community, but she has a background in design and extensive experience related to advocacy for underserved communities and victims of domestic violence. Growing up in a Latino home, yoga and meditation were foreign, but since yoga saved her life, Rosana feels a tremendous responsibility to share this practice in Spanish so that Latinos and others may have an opportunity to experience healing at this level. Rosana founded this #projectoflove called Yogiando NYC in 2017 while training under Josh Summers, Summers School of Yin Yoga, Jennifer Reis for Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra. She became a ChangeMaker leading with love by earning her RYT-200hr from Breathe for Change.

What I love about Rosana is her resilience and like a beautiful sunflower, she has the ability to always face the sunshine. She had consistently built community in a space she had access to… all while dreaming of what would be next, then the unexpected thing happened, she lost her space. Rosana has been showing up authentically for years and has personally been a part of my health journey and her hard work serving women in the Heights did not go unnoticed. I will not tell her story because its sounds so much better coming from her but today her work found a home at NOMA Studio in United Palace, a historic anchor in Washington Heights and from the window of her studio she can see the building she grew up in.

Her secret… Clarity, Alignment and Amplification… and the drive to serve her community into a lifestyle that will allow them to be the best version of themselves.

Here is what Yoga Journal had to say about Rosana’s work.

(This is your prompt to go back and complete the lesson in this newsletter)

Connect with @YogiandoNYC on Instagram, get the schedule of her amazing offerings and connect with your higher self.

Most of our features come from creators I come across on my timeline daily—but I know YOU are connected to some amazing talent I may not have discovered yet. That’s why I’m opening up the floor…

Are you or do you know a creator who deserves to be featured?

We’re looking for creators, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making waves and have a story to tell. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a movement, or creating game-changing content, we want to highlight your journey!

📩 Send your submissions to [email protected]

Start Your Newsletter Today — No Budget Needed

Ready to build your brand, grow your audience, and own your voice?
You don’t need fancy software or a big budget. You just need a message—and a free plan that helps you deliver it.

✅ The Beehiiv Launch Plan

$0/month — No commitment

Grow up to 2,500 subscribers and send unlimited emails with one of the most powerful newsletter platforms available. Whether you're a writer, creator, entrepreneur, or community builder, this is the easiest way to launch your newsletter today.

What's Included in the Free Launch Plan:

• Custom Website
  Get your own branded page—no code required

• Custom Newsletters
  Create beautiful, mobile-friendly newsletters that reflect your style

• Unlimited Email Sends
  Send as often as you want, with no hidden limits

• Up to 3 Publications
  Run multiple newsletters from one account

• Campaign Analytics
  Know what’s working with open rates, click-throughs, and more

• Recommendation Network
  Get discovered through cross-promotions with other creators

• Optimized Deliverability
  Make sure your emails land in inboxes—not spam folders

• Subscriber Tagging & Segmentation
  Personalize your message and target the right audience

• Custom Domain Support
  Use your own URL to build trust and visibility

• API Access
  Easily connect with your favorite tools and apps

Why Start Now?

• No risk, no credit card required

• Professional-level features—for free

• Perfect for beginners and growing creators

• Built-in tools to grow, track, and monetize over time

Ready to Go Further?

When you're ready to scale, Beehiiv’s paid plans unlock monetization tools—so you can earn your investment back and then some. From paid subscriptions to built-in ad networks, the growth potential is unlimited.

Launch for $0 → Grow on Your Terms

Your audience is waiting. Your story is worth sharing.
Start your newsletter today—for free.

👉 Sign up with Beehiiv and start writing your future.

Many universities and online learning platforms offer free college-level courses online. These courses cover a wide range of subjects and can be a great way to explore new topics, build skills, or supplement existing education. 

Here are some popular options for finding free online college courses:

1. Coursera: Coursera partners with top universities and institutions to offer a vast selection of free online courses across various disciplines. While some courses may require payment for a certificate or formal recognition, many are available for free to audit. 

2. edX: Similar to Coursera, edX provides access to free online courses from renowned universities and institutions worldwide. Many courses on edX can be audited for free, allowing you to access course materials and lectures. 

3. MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to the course materials used in MIT's undergraduate and graduate courses. This includes lecture notes, assignments, exams, and more, allowing you to explore MIT's curriculum. 

4. OpenLearn (The Open University): OpenLearn offers a wide range of free online courses from The Open University, a leader in distance learning. Their courses cover various subjects and are designed for self-paced learning. 

5. Saylor Academy: Saylor Academy offers nearly 100 full-length, free online courses at the college and professional levels. These courses are self-paced and available at no cost. 

6. Other options: Platforms like Alison, FutureLearn, and Udacity also offer free online courses. Additionally, some universities like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford offer free online courses through their own platforms or in partnership with other platforms like Coursera. 

Important considerations:

• Audit vs. Certificate:

  Many free online courses allow you to audit the course materials for free, but you may need to pay a fee for a certificate of completion or formal recognition. 

• Time commitment:

  Free online courses can vary in length and time commitment. Be sure to check the course details to understand the expected workload. 

• Learning goals:

  Consider your learning goals when choosing a free online course. Are you looking to explore a new topic, build specific skills, or prepare for a career change? 

Featured Event

VidCon Anaheim 2025 – Where Digital Culture Comes to Life

Experience the world’s biggest digital creators, innovative platforms, and fans all in one place. Join VidCon Anaheim 2025 and immerse yourself in the excitement of digital culture.

vidcon.com

What it is: June 19–21, 2025 in Anaheim—one of the world's largest conventions for video creators, featuring platform updates, collabs, and live interactive content.

Why it matters: Dive into audience-building tools, meet major influencers, and stay ahead of platform trends (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram).

🔗 Learn More: https://vidcon.com/

📺 Creator Economy Live East (NYC In‑Person)

What it is: Two days (August 5–6, 2025) at NYC’s Marriott Marquis packed with influencer-marketing keynotes, panels, and ROI-focused networking.

Why it matters: Ideal for forging brand/creator partnerships and gaining cutting-edge campaign insights in a major media hub.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.creatoreconomylive.com/

🎬 Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX)

What it is: In-person conference August 24–26, 2025 with keynotes, workshops, and panels for serious bloggers, podcasters, and freelance creators.

Why it matters: Focused on scaling content-based businesses—perfect for creators aiming for sustainable income and collaboration.

🔗 Learn More: https://cex.events/

🤝 TwitchCon North America (San Diego)

What it is: October 17–19, 2025 in San Diego—Twitch’s in-person industry celebration with community panels, esports, and networking content.

Why it matters: Great for livestream creators, especially focusing on engagement strategies and brand integrations in esports and entertainment.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.twitchcon.com/

🎤 CreatorConf (Virtual Creator Summit)

What it is: A two‑day virtual event (December 13–14, 2025) featuring 30+ focused talks, panels, and Q&As with top creators on content strategy, audience scaling, and monetization.

Why it matters: Learn from creators who have built large, engaged audiences—perfect for creators seeking growth tactics without travel.

🔗 Learn More: https://creatorconf.com/

This Week’s Sponsor: Collective.com

We’re proud to be partnering with Collective.com—a company that truly gets creators like us.

They’re experts in the unique needs of self-employed folks, especially those of us navigating LLCs, S Corps, taxes, and everything in between. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or creative entrepreneur, they’ve built a platform to support your business from day one.

At Siembra Connect, we believe that clarity creates confidence—and Collective brings that same energy to your finances.

Keep more of what you earn

Collective is the first all-in-one financial solution exclusively for solopreneurs. Members save an average of $10,000 a year by optimizing their taxes via an S Corp.*

Membership includes:

• LLC and S Corp formation

• Payroll

• Monthly bookkeeping

• Quarterly tax estimates

• Annual business tax filing

• Access to a team of experts

Enjoy peace of mind while maximizing your profits, and enjoy extra time to focus on growing your business.

Use code SPRINGFREE at checkout and get your first month free!

Get started

_{*Based on the average 2022 tax savings of active Collective users with an S Corp tax election for the 2022 tax year}