The first time I met Lance Ríos (on the online social sphere that is) it was back in 2009, I was studying at UT Dallas for my Masters degree in Arts & Technology. My main focus of study was Hispanic online media and information and at that time my research discovered some but was very general. It wasn’t until I discovered Lance Ríos’ Facebook Page, Being Latino, that I realized that Latinos are transitioning to a another form of social communication, a way where Latinos from various backgrounds come together to discuss Latinos issues, express their love of Latino cultural history and share their own traditions through various forms of media such as video, audio and images. Over time, Being Latino became a hub for human engagement and collaboration.

When I found Being Latino, it was at about 600 hundred followers, 4 years later it has exploded to 72,692 and it continues to grow as we speak! Being Latino recently added an official website and editors volunteer to passionately share information about today’s Latino topics.

Now Lance is ready to fully concentrate on Being Latino and strengthening it’s online presence even further as well as to educate emerging media newcomers on how to successfully build online communities. I had an opportunity to interview Lance about his latest plans and I really look forward to what creative  ideas he’s developing next.

1. Tell me about your decision to focus on Being Latino 100%?

It’s a passion of mine and has always been. The times are shifting and I have gained a better understanding how to leverage the platform to strengthen the voice for our community while having some opportunities to work with brands at points. If I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t do it ever. Ya era tiempo.

2. Since starting the Being Latino Facebook Fanpage a couple years ago, did you ever think that Being Latino would have such a national or even an international exposure?

I knew it had a ton of potential. I never had an idea of what the potential was, but I was sure that if I kept up with it, it would grow. Here we are today. 🙂

3. Now that you are managing Being Latino full time, what have you been doing to help get the word out?

I’ve been concentrating on partnering with other media entities to get our name out there. Additionally, I’ve recently been serving as a social media correspondent on FOX.com.

4. I noticed that aside from the Being Latino fanpage, you recently developed the official Being Latino website, what are other online projects have you developed or plan on putting together in the near future?

Many things in the works, you’ll soon see. 🙂

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