Magazine editor promotes diversity in The Woodlands

Growing up in Colombia, Alba Malaver developed a curiosity about people of different cultures and was eager to learn and find ways to connect with them.

Malaver, 40, has channeled that enthusiasm for diversity into a new magazine, ConnexionW. The free, bilingual publication primarily focuses on people and events in The Woodlands and bringing together the area's English- and Spanish-speaking residents. Launched last year, the glossy monthly magazine includes articles written in both languages about local store openings, award recipients and community leaders.

Malaver, a Woodlands resident who previously was a press adviser and social worker at Houston's Colombian consulate, hustles day and night from one event to another, writing many of the magazine's articles and taking its photos. Her sister-in-law, Ruth Arce, markets the magazine and sells advertising. They work together in a small office in Malaver's house. Framed ConnexionW magazine covers adorn the wall over Malaver's workspace.

"The importance of multiculturalism is huge," said Malaver, displaying the most recent issue of ConnexionW on the desk next to her. "We have to embrace that. There are many nationalities living here. That is great. I want to be a bridge between world cultures."

Malaver, originally from Bogota, became interested in other countries and people while attending what she described as a type of boarding school in her home country. She immersed herself in the cultures and traditions of her classmates, learning as much as she could from them.

"That was fun for me," said Malaver, smiling as she recalled her youth. "It was easy for me to meet people and have friends."

She later moved to Mexico, where she earned a master's degree in IberoAmerican literature from Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla. Malaver went back to Colombia and worked as a journalist for several years before returning to Mexico in 2007 as a professor at the Universidad Loyola de Acapulco.

"That is my life," Malaver said. "I've always had diversity. All people have something to share."

Journey to Houston

She and her husband, William Gomez, chose to make the Houston area their home to escape violence in Mexico and Colombia, as well as to fulfill the dream of their 19-year-old son, Fernando, who wants to become a petroleum engineer. In 2013, the family moved to The Woodlands and Malaver began working at the Colombian consulate.

"That was a big opportunity," Malaver said. "I took advantage of that. I took the opportunity to know many people over time."

She decided to start a bilingual magazine to fill gaps between The Woodlands' predominantly white population and its growing Hispanic and Latino communities. Her family's savings, plus a little advertising revenue, have funded the venture so far.

"I was dreaming," Malavar said of her idea. "Americans have an opportunity to learn what is going on with Hispanics. And we have to learn how life is here. We have to take advantage of multiculturalism."

Mayte Mitre-Tunison, a business consultant and Houston Community College instructor, helped Malaver, a former student, develop a business plan and launch the magazine. Malaver remains dedicated to her dream and is determined to make ConnexionW successful, Mitre-Tunison said.

"I told her it will not be easy," Mitre-Tunison said. "She will need as many people as she can get to help with advertising. But she has been enthusiastic about it since day one. I was very proud of her when I received the first copy of the magazine."

Community resource

Malaver said she considers herself an educator, helping people of different cultures become aware of each other, build relationships and improve their lives. She joined organizations such as The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to connect with area businesses and organizations to become a community resource.

"There are many things to share," Malaver said. "The key is keeping in touch with the community and speaking with people."

Arthur Santana, a former journalist and assistant communications professor at the University of Houston, said Malaver has cast a wide net to appeal to The Woodlands' changing population. Santana, a resident of The Woodlands, hasn't met Malaver or seen her print publication. He perused copies of the magazine on the website, connexionW.com.

"I admire her, frankly," Santana said. "She has a desire to bring the community together. The magazine only serves to strengthen this community."

'To build a bridge'

Nicole Gauthier, vice president of investor strategies at the Montgomery County United Way in The Woodlands, said Malaver's mission to link people of different cultures is authentic. Malaver regularly attends events to create a sense of community for everyone who lives in the master-planned community about 35 miles north of Houston.

"What I love about her is she is so kind and open to ideas," Gauthier said. "Her message is an important message. She really is trying to build a bridge between people who may not feel connected. She is trying to make the community more inclusive."