DARLENE SANCHEZ TENES: SPEAKER TOPICS

Ms. Tenes founded CasaQ, a Hispanic Lifestyle Company that creates and curates products, events and travel for people who embrace the Latino culture. In 2020, she founded the Farmworker Caravan to support California farmworkers who are working for long hours with little pay to keep food on the tables of everyone across America. She is a popular speaker at seminars, conferences and cruise lines particularly on Latino, women, cultural and historical topics. FULL BIO >>

MOST POPULAR TOPICS

Xocolatl: Food of the Gods

Since 1900 BC The Aztecs & Mayans believed cacao was a gift from the Gods. From currency to aphrodisiacs the value of chocolate is undeniable. See how the simple bean from Mexico made its way into the history books and across the world.

California Roots: Agriculture & Farmworkers

Learn about the agricultural industry in California and the past and current conditions of the farmworkers laboring in the USA.

The Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Learn about the myths, legends and history behind the real Pirates of the Caribbean between 1650 and 1720, during the 'Golden Age' of piracy.

Castro Women: A Historical Telenovela

The Castro family history in Alta & Baja California is really quite interesting, in fact it would make a great Telenovela. Yes, it is part of the same family that Castro Street and the Castro District in San Francisco are named after. Learn about the formidable Castro women and how they made their mark in California history.

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HISTORY

Municipal Housekeepers: History of The Woman’s Club Movement

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 14th Amendment giving women the right to vote, learn about suffrage, political and social changes in the 1890s that changed the face of America during the Progressive Era when women began gathering outside of their homes.

Castro Women: A Historical Telenovela

Panama Canal

Learn about the Panama Canal, one of the world's coolest shortcuts that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Find out why and how the canal was built, how it works, and other neat facts about this Central American waterway.

The Fantastical Buildings of Antoni Gaudí

Considered one of the most influential and creative architects in modern history Antoni Gaudí’s buildings are awe inspiring! 4 of the Top Ten attractions in Barcelona are Gaudí Buildings.

The Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Learn about the myths, legends and history behind the real Pirates of the Caribbean between 1650 and 1720, during the 'Golden Age' of piracy.

FOOD

Xocolatl: Food of the Gods

The Flavors of Mexico

From Menudo to Mole, Margaritas to Micheladas learn about the traditional foods & drinks of Mexico & their origins.

Spanish Cuisine: Pisto to Paella

Learn about Spanish cuisine’s explosion of colors, aromas, and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a glorious fusion of cultures and ethnicities from the past and present, from the sea to the mountains.

Portuguese Cuisine: Port to Bacalhau

Learn about Portugal's cuisine and what to eat, drink and buy while in port. Hear about the Iberian Pennisula’s historical influence on its cuisine and why it's known for its wines, meats, cheeses and especially seafood.

Boston’s Famous Foods: Clam Chowder to Cream Pie

Learn what food and drinks you must not miss out on your visit to this popular East Coast port.

Mofongo to Mojitos: Caribbean Food & Drinks

The foods of the Caribbean are as mixed as the many peoples who sailed through its ports. Genocide, slavery, immigration and rivalry between world powers have given the Caribbean history and influenced its flavorful cuisine.

FOOD WORKSHOPS OR DEMOS

Tamales 101

During this demo and hands-on workshop you'll learn to make traditional Mexican tamales from scratch. We'll share the history behind these ancient foods and teach you how to make the masa and filling. Then you and your classmates will get in a family-style assembly line to wrap, roll and steam the tamales to perfection.

Guacamole, Sangria & Salsa

Learn how to make the perfect Guacamole, Sangria & Salsa just in time for throw your own fiesta! Darlene Tenes of CasaQ will teach you all the skills you need to slice, dice and chop your way to prepare an authentic guacamole and pico de gallo salsa and whip up a pitcher of sangria to cool you down on those hot Summer nights.

Soups for the Soul

"Soup for the Soul" cooking class will teach you to make heartwarming traditional soups such as Albondigas (Mexican meatball soup), Chipotle Chicken Tortilla and Butternut Squash soups.

BUSINESS

How to get Free Publicity

Have you always wondered how companies and people get in the news? Learn from an expert how to pitch your story to print, radio, TV and social media influencers to get free publicity for yourself or your cause. l

Event Marketing & Publicity

The date is set and the venue booked. Now you just need to fill the room! If you fear showing up at your event to an empty room this seminar is for you. Learn expert tip and tricks on how to fill a room on a limited budget.

Event Sponsorships 101

Learn how to get sponsorships from companies, the media and individuals that will benefit your organization and event. You'll find out how to target certain sponsors that will fit your event and be beneficial to both parties.

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CRUISE TOPICS

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CARIBBEAN

Pirates of the Caribbean

Learn about the myths, legends and history behind the real Pirates of the Caribbean between 1650 and 1720, during the 'Golden Age' of piracy.

Mofongo to Mojitos: Caribbean Food & Drinks

Panama Canal

SPAIN / PORTUGAL

Spanish Cuisine: Pisto to Paella

Learn about Spanish cuisine’s explosion of colors, aromas, and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a glorious fusion of cultures and ethnicities from the past and present, from the sea to the mountains.

Bullfighting 101

Learn from the daughter of a bullfighter the history of tauromaquia from its origins to where the tradition has changed in modern Spain, Mexico, Portugal and other countries around the world.

History of Flamenco Music, Song & Dance

With roots in Indian, Arabic, and Spanish culture, flamenco music, song and dance is Spain’s most well-known entertainment. Learn the history of this passionate tradition and how to be the perfect spectator.

Portuguese Cuisine: Port to Bacalhau

The Fantastical Buildings of Antoni Gaudí

Considered one of the most influential and creative architects in modern history Antoni Gaudí’s buildings are awe inspiring! 4 of the Top Ten attractions in Barcelona are Gaudí Buildings.

MEXICO

Xocolatl: Food of the Gods

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Patron Saint of the Americas

Discover why Our Lady of Guadalupe is so important to the people of Mexico. Learn about the apparition and miracle of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe to understand why she is so revered and her image is seen everywhere.

Bullfighting 101

Learn from the daughter of a bullfighter the history of tauromaquia from its origins to where the tradition has changed in modern Spain, Mexico, Portugal and other countries around the world.

What’s a Mariachi?

Learn about the history of Mariachi a genre of Regional music that dates back to at least the 18th century that has grown popular throughout Mexico and the United States.

Loteria Mexican Bingo + Activity

Learn the origin and symbolism of Loteria cards, Mexico’s most popular family parlor game. Then participate in a fun round of play and learn a little Spanish along the way.

Mexico’s Myths & Legends

From the Chupacabra to La Sirena learn about some of Mexico’s most famous mythological creatures and the intriguing history or legends behind them.

Alta & Baja California Roots

Learn about the history of Alta & Baja California from the indigenous tribes to its rule under Spain, Mexico & with its final split between two nations.

The Flavors of Mexico

From Menudo to Mole, Margaritas to Micheladas learn about the traditional foods & drinks of Mexico & their origins.

Dia de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead Traditions

We will explore the history and traditions of Dia de Los Muertos, a celebration honoring the memory of your loved ones who have passed away. You'll learn the meaning, symbolism and customs behind this centuries old tradition that has become popular recently in the USA.

How to Build a Day of the Dead Altar

You'll learn how to make an altar or ofrenda which is a display made during Dia de Los Muertos to honor the memory of your loved ones who have passed away. You'll learn the different elements needed and the symbolism behind each object.

CALIFORNIA

California Missions

Learn about the Jesuits, Franciscan & Dominican missionaries that came to establish missions in Alta & Baja California. Find out about the mission life and what happened when they fell into secular hands after the Mexican American War.

Castro Women: A Historical Telenovela

California Roots: Agriculture & Farmworkers

Learn about the agricultural industry in California and the past and current conditions of the farmworkers laboring in the USA.