Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 60 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Che has featured many members of the local media including radio personality Scott “Fitz” Fitzgerald, radio personality Chris Konya, creators of The Rochestariat, Stefanie and Jason Schwingle, journalist Hélène Biandudi Hofer, journalist Jennifer Johnson, journalist Nikki Rudd journalist Norma Holland, journalist Alexis Arnold, journalist Ginny Ryan, meteorologist Scott Hetsko and producer Sajad Hoffman-Hussain .
Today Che adds Juanita Washington to the list.
Getting To Know Juanita Washington; BreakThru Magazine’s Editor In Chief
Photos courtesy of Juanita Washington
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I grew up in Rochester, NY. I graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School Bio Science program. I was initially on track to be a psychiatrist when I realized I would need to study medicine. I quickly discovered my passion for the communication industry. I look back at my time at Franklin H.S. and smile. I had the pleasure to be part of a dynamic, talented and successful class. I went on and graduated from Virginia State University where I not only discovered myself but also tapped into my ambition and drive.
What inspired you to work with BreakThru Magazine? Can you give us a little background on BreakThru Magazine? Early experiences worth sharing?
After working several years in the news industry, I had the opportunity to witness the challenges of trying to tell positive stories. Breaking news always takes precedence and you are only allotted a certain amount of time to get everything in the show. I also noticed there were outlets where positive stories and images were being shared but it was harder to find platforms focused on women of color. So in September 2011, I launched BreakThru Magazine which is geared towards women of color. BreakThru serves as a platform to not only share those images but also create opportunities for various entrepreneurs and others in the entertainment industry to showcase and develop their skill set. BreakThru is a quarterly publication and can be found at all Wegmans locations in Rochester and Buffalo amongst other stores.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
I believe adversity and conflict are a part of life and your growing process. The success of your journey depends on how you respond. You can’t go through life looking for ways to escape either of those challenges. I’ve discovered two things are extremely important when dealing with obstacles. The first, you have to know who you are. This is important because when you know the power you have you are not rattled by every little problem, you have the ability to remain stable. This also allows you to use wisdom and calmly confront any issue because the desired outcome should always be results. The second, know your worth because that will help you determine if you need to respond or walk away.
What do you believe sets you apart from other magazines?
BreakThru is a God idea. It’s expected to not only uplift, motivate and empower the reader but to do the same for the team and any business partner. This is a platform for the community to be encouraged by the examples of people featured in the magazine. The goal is to also share our appreciation for the people being featured to let them know their hard work does not go unnoticed. This is a goal I am extremely passionate about, I have walked away from deals and business partners I believe do not embody that mission.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I believe balance is key. My interest and hobbies are centered around my faith, family and community involvement, and with 5 boys and a husband a lot of my time is focused on being a mom. However, I love to try new adventures, travel, and watch reality television (no judgment zone).
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
Yes, I am currently working on a few different projects including the BreakThru Gala which will be held September 29, 2017 in the High Falls District. This is a black tie scholarship fundraiser event where we honor influential people throughout our community and have a great time.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I know it sounds a bit unusual but I don’t particularly make plans in that nature. I am extremely prayerful, so whatever I’m lead to do next I like for that to be an organic process.
What advice can you give to aspiring individuals interested in working in publication?
We are constantly looking at ways to enhance and retool what we are doing. So, if you have an idea or would like an opportunity to pitch your idea we are always open to providing as much direction as possible. You can reach out to our email [email protected] or inbox our Facebook page.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
We are on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
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