Nonquistadora

Nonquistadora is a volunteer-run non-profit organization which addresses the common needs of humanity through innovation. Nonquistadora’s mission is to reduce poverty and its effects while empowering people within a diverse range of communities. We accomplish our mission through hands-on education regarding a range of region-based initiatives including, but not limited to, sustainable agricultural systems, water treatment, preventative health and viable, low-cost modes of transportation.

[nonquistadora-blog]

hanging proudly at 909 #909cooperative #909 #phoenix #az #firstfriday #fifthstreet #epics #asu #sundevils #art #complete #nonq #nonquistadora #ngo #internationalngo #nonprofit #instagood #regram #share #weneedyoursupport

[nonquistadora-blog]

looking good and ready to hang on #firstfriday #diy #art #fifthstreet #phoenix #epics #asu #sundevils #nonq #nonprofit #nonquistadora #internationalngo #instagood #regram #ngo #az #design

[nonquistadora-blog]

hard work paying off #diy #nonq #nonquistadora #nonprofit #internationalngo #ngo #weneedyoursupport #instagood #regram #epics #asu #sundevils #phoenix #firstfriday #fifthstreet #stencil #art

[nonquistadora-blog]

coming along #stencil #nonquistadora #ngo #nonprofit #instagood #regram #asu #EPICS #sundevils #internationalngo #nonq #weneedyoursupport #phoenix #firstfriday #fifthstreet #diy

[nonquistadora-blog]

hard at work #nonq #nonquistadora #nonprofit #instagood #internationalngo #ngo #weneedyoursupport #regram #stencil #art #phoenix #firstfriday #fifthstreet #asu #sundevils #EPICS

[nonquistadora-blog]

so this is happening and everyone that can go should do their best to make it out! #nonquistadora #nonq #internationalngo #ngo #instagood #regram #firstfriday #phoenix #fifthstreet #asu #sundevils #gfx #graphicdesign #design #flyer #nonprofit #weneedyoursupport

[itscristinayo-deactivated201404]

Please share this with everyone you know!

I’m the Co-Director of an International NGO called Nonquistadora

You can find out what we’re all about at www.nonquistadora.com

Even if you’re not in Phoenix on November 1st, you can always donate through our website!

Spread the word, we’re a developing International NGO and we need your help! 

[itscristinayo-deactivated201404]

Please share this with everyone you know!

I’m the Co-Director of an International NGO called Nonquistadora

You can find out what we’re all about at www.nonquistadora.com

Even if you’re not in Phoenix on November 1st, you can always donate through our website!

Spread the word, we’re a developing International NGO and we need your help! 

[nonquistadora-blog]

SITE LAUNCH!!! Today our new site has launched! Please check it out and contact us with any questions or comments about Nonq! #nonquistadora #nonq #nonprofit #asu #sundevils #epics #engineering #weblaunch #webdesign #adobemuse #webgfx #gfxdesign #followus #telleveryone #signalboost

[nonquistadora-blog]

Changing Directions

     It's been a while since we've posted but that's because Nonquistadora has been working hard. Mary's back in school for another degree, this time in Mechanical Engineering (I guess a broken knee doesn't have to be a bad thing), we have a new approach to research and development, and Cristina is working on a redesign and update for the website and social media sites. 

     We hope that you stick around to see what exciting new updates we have to offer. While the direction of Nonquistadora is the same, our approach has matured into one that is more grounded in design, research, development, and networking. Instead of conducting research through travel and gaining perspective from other nonprofit organizations and communities, we've shifted focus in order to keep reaching toward our goals. 

     With our new website launch we will be sharing more details in how we've changed our approach to collaboration with partners and communities. Thanks for all the past and ongoing support, we really appreciate you all. 

[motomanifesto]

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So pretty.

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It seemed the easy part was making the decision to follow my dream and dreaming up a plan to do that.  At one point last year it seemed so real because all of my calculations seemed so well thought out and comfortable.  With all the obstacles that I faced it certainly made things more interesting.  A major accident with my KTM, switching motorcycles, and now?  A right knee made of jello... All of this is getting much more interesting...

Set Backs:

I am trying to hold it together but really, this is a devastating blow.  I’ve been putting off writing about it because I want to believe this won’t set me back.  I haven’t been on my motorcycle in exactly two weeks.  I can’t even bear to look at it.  I’ve avoided the garage at all costs.  I haven’t even wanted to tinker with it.  

Two weeks ago I tore my ACL and chipped my tibia in my right knee.  This was the result of a bad drop from a bouldering route.  I landed wrong, and my knee twisted inward with a grinding sound.  I guess that grinding sound was a bit of my tibia being ground off and my ligaments tearing...

In my mind I saw months of detailed planning and hard work come to an abrupt and unexpected and wasteful end.  I looked down as I fell forward onto the crash pad.  Did that really just happen? A friend helped me up and got me some ice.  I sat there, on the verge of tears, knowing that the sound I heard might as well have been the sound of screeching tires as my dreams came to an abrupt halt. 

It took me about a day to break down and call Cristina.  “Hey, did you like your ortho-surgeon, or what because I need one...”  “Oh are you serious.” was her response.  I know she has worked just as hard as I have to get Nonquistadora off the ground.  In an instant and with those four words I felt the weight of what happened radiate out of the throbbing pain in my knee and wash over me.  I burst into tears.  I also sent a wall of text to Jasmine.  Jasmine gave me a big push into following my dreams and creating this project.  I needed some reassurance that everything was going to be okay.  “Ça va aller” was her response. The calming tag-line was a staple when we were going through rough patches in West Africa, and it helped now too.  

It sucks.  A huge part of my physical and emotional health lies in the full use of my limbs.  I cannot ride my bicycle or my motorcycle; I can’t put any weight on it at this point.  I can’t work, save money, start my trip and the next chapter of my life.  I get frustrated with the crutches I have to use to get around. I get worn out. I feel caged.  I go in for an MRI on Thursday.  I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon the following week.  At that point I will be scheduled for surgery.  Hopefully, in two weeks I will be on the long road to recovery.  I am still committed to my trip and to building this nonprofit.  I just have one additional obstacle. 

[blahblahblahpunkrock-deactivate]

This is Dot Smith, the famous female stunt rider from the 1930s and 40s, she was a member of the San Francisco Motorcycle Club and a founding member of the iconic “Motor Maids” with Dot Robinson and Linda Degeau.

In this photograph she’s sitting on her 1937 EL Knucklehead and looking damn near perfect with that little ribbon in her hair.

[nonquistadora-blog]

Rico, Colorado

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Check out the new video update!

Also keep an eye out for updates at www.nonquistadora.com

[saddest-summer]

Camper Van

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More wheels than I usually like, but awesome just the same.

[nonquistadora-blog]

New bike!!  This is my trip bike.  I had wanted to go with a KTM 690 Enduro but it would have required many upgrades and the added threat of fuel pump and water pump problems made me consider BMW's F650GS.  It's a 2006 F650GS with an Öhlins shock, Wirth front fork springs, Sebring exhaust, and a ton of Touratech guards (Front fork guards, center stand guard, rear master cylinder guard...).  Not as nimble as the KTM but I do appreciate the increased range and fuel efficiency.