THIS WEEK'S FIVE:

Photographer Stephan Velastegui captures portraits of hip-hop artists from Brooklyn to The Bronx, and asks how heritage shapes their sounds in a series called "Papi Chulo." Velastegui is interested in how upbringing and environment shapes his peers' relationship to masculinity and other men, using portraiture to confront stereotypes in the community. Look at these beautiful faces!

An inspiring profile on Elizabeth Vilchis, who migrated from Mexico to New Jersey at age 7, & eventually became 1 of 5 women to graduate with an engineering degree from City College. Her company, latinoTech, organizes pitch nights, founder and investor dinners, tech talks, expert panels, hackathons and networking events to connect Latinos with stakeholders and provide them with the resources they need to thrive in the technology world. More info on her company here.

Last year, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio gave cultural institutions an ultimatum: city-owned museums must adopt inclusion plans by next February or risk having their funding cut. In NYC and around the country, museums are working to fundamentally alter the artwork they acquire and their approach to exhibitions. Marcela Guerrero of the Whitney Museum is among a growing number of people of color in NYC's curatorial world. Go support museums that are actually changing how they hire, and bringing in a new pipeline of talent to represent the people viewing exhibits.

Mattel created a doll honoring the 18-year-old, Puerto Rican Olympian. Hernandez worked with Mattel to create a more flexible doll, so that girls can play with the doll and enjoy it having a full range of motion—like a real gymnast. The doll also has curls like Laurie. I don't know about you but I didn't own any Barbies growing up - they didn't look anything like me and I never wanted them. It's great to see things are changing.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES:

The Pulitzer Prize winner & Creator of 'Hamilton' just revealed the cover for his upcoming book, "Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You." It will feature some of his fan-favorite tweets, full of affirmations to inspire readers at the beginning and end of each day. I love the concept and am definitely ordering for myself, and for friends. You can pre-order it via Random House here - it's out on October 23rd.

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