North County San Diego
2021 LATINO BOOK & FAMILY FESTIVAL
Donate to support the Latino Book & Family Festival sessions and bring more resources!
$50.00 - $500.00
I want to donate >Resources / Recursos
Become an Empowering Latino Futures partner > Empowering Latino Futures is the nonprofit organization that organizes the Latino Book & Family Festivals
Breastfeeding Resource Guide, San Diego County | Guía de Recursos para la Lactancia, Condado de San Diego Blue Shield Promise Health Plan has proudly sponsored the San Diego Breastfeeding Coalition 2022 Breastfeeding Resource Guide! There are great resources, tips and contact information to support the wellbeing of mothers and children. The brochures are printable in English and Spanish too! SDCBC Resource Guide – San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition
TrueCare Food Distribution events:
- 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 332 East Olive St, San Marcos, CA 92069.
- 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 5306 N River Rd, Oceanside, CA 92057
MAAC Diaper Distribution | Distribución de pañales >
- Every 1st Wednesday, cada primer miércoles, 7:30 – 9:30am at 956 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista, CA 92084
- Every 3rd Wednesday, cada tercer miércoles, 4-6pm at 956 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista, CA 92084
MAAC Child Development Program | Programa de desarrollo infantil >
AARP California, in your community >
BlueShield, various resources and contact information >
Wed., November 17, 2021, 11am
DOLORES HUERTA
Dolores Huerta With an Associates degree from Stockton College and a teaching credential, Huerta began her career in service of marginalized California farmworkers and their children. Later, she turned her efforts from the classroom to lobbying California state legislators to help people’s working conditions. In the late 1950s Huerta joined Cesar Chavez and his work with the Community Service Organization (CSO). By 1962 the pair had risen to national prominence when, dissatisfied with CSO’s results, they co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, the forerunner of the United Farm Workers (UFW). After UFW’s successful grape boycott in 1965, Huerta and Chavez were able to create a national climate that resulted in the passage of the first law that granted California farmworkers collective bargaining rights—the Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Huerta worked as a lobbyist, contract negotiator, and fundraiser for several causes, including immigration, farmworkers’ health, and workers’ legislative representation. From 1988 to 1993 Huerta served on the Commission on Agricultural Workers which Congress established to study special worker provisions and the agricultural labor market. During the 1990s and 2000s, Huerta worked to elect more Latinos(as) to political office and established the Dolores Huerta Foundation in 2002. Dolores Huerta received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. She is a board member of the Feminist Majority Foundation, the Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus of the United Farm Workers of America, and the president of her foundation.
Kirk Whisler is the president of Western Publication Research, Inc., whose programs include Latino 247 Media Group, and WPR Books. He is the co-founder of Empowering Latino Futures which is the nonprofit that puts together community, education and author program including this Latino Book & Family Festival.
Sat., November 20, 2021, 11am
Dr. Antonio Flores, HACU
Antonio R. Flores has served as president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) for twenty-five years. He has been a leading advocate for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic higher education success. Under his leadership, HSIs have garnered over $5 billion in federal funding and current appropriations above $500 million annually. HACU’s membership represents more than 500 colleges and universities that collectively serve two-thirds of the 3.8 million Hispanic students in U.S. higher education across 38 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. HACU also affiliates 30 leading universities in Latin America and Spain. He has received numerous recognitions and honors for his contributions to higher education, including five honorary doctorate degrees from higher education institutions. He serves and has chaired various national boards and commissions. He earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; a master’s in counseling and personnel from Western Michigan University; & bachelor’s degrees in business administration & elementary education from Universidad de Guadalajara and Centro Normal Regional, Mexico, respectively.
Interviewing him, we have
Kirk Whisler. He is the president of Western Publication Research, Inc., whose programs include Latino 247 Media Group, and WPR Books. He is the co-founder of Empowering Latino Futures which is the nonprofit that puts together community, education and author program including this latino book & family festival.
PAST VIRTUAL SESSIONS
Sat., November 6, 2021, 11am
STORYTelling TRADITION
My Point Credit Union
We help you do
We’re proud to be a part of San Diego, full of one-of-a-kind communities and diverse and passionate doers. At MyPoint Credit Union, we want to help these doers – individuals, families, local businesses and everyone in-between – do more of the things they love in the city they call home. For over 70 years, we’ve been helping our members make the most out of their finances so they can live life on their own terms. Life may be short, but it should be awesome, and that’s why we’re focused on helping our members get the most out of their lives. So tell us what you’d love to do. We’ll help you do it.
www.MyPointCU.com
Facebook @MyPointCU
Instagram: @MyPointCU
LinkedIn URL : linkedin.com/company/mypoint-credit-union
Facebook @MyPointCU
Instagram: @MyPointCU
LinkedIn URL : linkedin.com/company/mypoint-
Cathleen Chilcote Wallace is a storyteller, writer, and bilingual elementary school teacher. Through her NATIVE TALK storytelling presentations, she teaches native California history and promotes cultural awareness in schools and other venues. Her book, ” The Gift Basket” and its curriculum guide are used by teachers in San Diego classrooms. Cathleen is involved in teacher education, curriculum development, and finding alternatives to the fourth grade mission project.
“The Native American culture is known for its rich oral tradition. Instead of using a written language to document their history, these indigenous people simply relied on their verbal language to share their history, customs, rituals and legends through vivid narratives.
These powerful tales are often told by the tribal elders to the younger generations. They relate their tribal history and they also entertain and preserve their culture.” – All Good Tales
Sat., November 6, 2021, 11:30am
Congressman mike Levin
Congressman Mike Levin is proud to represent California’s 49th Congressional District, which includes North County San Diego and South Orange County.
Currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, Levin sits on the House Committee on Natural Resources, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where he serves as Vice Chair of the Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Levin was raised in South Orange County and attended local elementary and junior high schools. He spent his high school years at Loyola High in Los Angeles, and went on to study at Stanford University, where he served as the student body president. Upon graduation from Stanford, Levin served as a Coro Fellow and then attended Duke University School of Law.
Prior to being elected to Congress in 2018, Levin fought for climate action while working as an environmental attorney. He also served on the board of the Center for Sustainable Energy, and co-founded Sustain OC, helping accelerate the transition toward more sustainable power generation and transportation alternatives.
As a member of Congress, some of Levin’s top priorities are combating climate change, protecting our natural resources, and capitalizing on the economic benefits of a sustainable energy future. He has led legislation to transition America to zero emission vehicles, ban new offshore drilling leases along the coast of Southern California, responsibly develop renewable energy on public lands, and much more.
Sat., November 6, 2021, 11:45 am
ballet folklorico
Jose Jaimes, Ballet Folklorico, Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts
Tierra Caliente Academy was founded in October 2014 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission of using the cultural arts for outreach and development in our community. It was founded by Director and Instructor, Jose Jaimes, whose prior experience with non-profits and the arts, in only 5 years has helped brand Tierra Caliente Academy into one of the strongest academies in the county. The art of Folk Dance, Baile Folklorico, Danza Folklorica is not a hobby, its a discipline that not transforms your body, but the cultural and historical component teaches you values, opens your eyes to the beauty of Diversity, and broadens the knowledge of your own identity. Our mission and vision aligns with “Discipline and Respect”; If we respect and value our own culture, we will do the same with the valuing and respecting of other cultures; and if we are disciplined in rehearsal and the stage, that discipline transfers to our academics and our community work. “Cultivating Education through the Arts”
Wed., November 3, 2021, 11am
Ruth Behar, AWA, Letters from Cuba
As a storyteller, traveler, memoirist, poet, teacher, and public speaker, Ruth Behar is acclaimed for the compassion she brings to her quest to understand the depth of the human experience. She made her fiction debut with her Pura Belpré Award-Winning novel, Lucky Broken Girl, which explores how the worst of wounds can teach a child a lesson about the fragile, precious beauty of life. Her recent novel, Letters from Cuba, inspired by the story of her maternal grandmother’s courageous efforts to save her Polish Jewish family, was named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book and received an International Latino Book Award. Her debut picture book, Tía Fortuna’s New Home, a lyrical ode to cultural memory and heritage, is forthcoming in early 2022. Born in Havana, Cuba, she grew up in New York, and has also lived in Spain and Mexico. Her memoirs, The Vulnerable Observer, An Island Called Home, and Traveling Heavy, and her bilingual poetry book, Everything I Kept/Todo lo que guardé, examine her return journeys to Cuba and her search for home as an immigrant and a traveler. She was the first Latina to win a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. Her honors also include a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, a Distinguished Alumna Award from Wesleyan University, a Fulbright Award, an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Hebrew Union College, and being named a “Great Immigrant” by the Carnegie Corporation. Recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she is an anthropology professor at the University of Michigan and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jorge Dueñas, AWA, Disciplina con dignidad siete días a la semana
Jorge Dueñas was born in Marysville California, but grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He grew up in a migrant farm laborer family, so his family traveled between California, Oregon and Washington to work in the fields. Later in life, Jorge obtained three Bachelors of Arts and a Master’s Degree in Education. He has been an educator and public speaker for the past 35 years. He presently lives in Northern California with his family. His goal with his writing is to make a difference to other people in their lives as writing has done to him. www.Amazon.com
Thur., November 4, 2021
Supervisor Jim Desmond is the San Diego County Supervisor for District 5. The conversation will relate to ways the county is helping the community. Interviewer: Kirk Whisler, Empowering Latino Futures
Supervisor Jim Desmond was elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Previously serving as a San Marcos City Council member and later as Mayor of San Marcos from 2006-2014. Along with being a San Diego County Supervisor, he serves as a Board member for the San Diego County Water Authority, North County Transit District and is the Co-Chair for the Action for Spent Fuel Solutions Now. After serving in the US Navy, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University. In the 1990s he founded, managed, and sold Technical Standards, Inc. a technical writing and document company. Jim then went on to be an airline captain for 33 years with Delta Airlines, allowing him to see dozens of countries throughout the world. Supervisor Desmon currently resides in San Diego North County. As the San Diego County Supervisor, he believes we must continue to improve our region by investing in our communities, cutting red-tape and keeping government out of the way.
Kirk Whisler
is the president of Western Publication Research, Inc., whose programs include Latino 247 Media Group, and WPR Books. He is the co-founder of Empowering Latino Futures which is the nonprofit that puts together community, education and author program including this latino book & family festival.
Fri., November 5, 2021
Terra Lawson-Remer is a third-generation San Diegan, who served as Senior Advisor in the Obama Administration developing environmental policies to cut pollution from oil drilling and mining. Interviewer: Kirk Whisler, Empowering Latino Futures
FEATURED BOOKS
La Búsqueda de Shanleya, Thomas J. Elpel
En un mundo mítico donde el Tiempo es un líquido que cae en forma de lluvia, Shanleya remó su canoa hacia "Las Islas del Árbol" para aprender las tradiciones de las plantas de su pueblo. Cada isla es el hogar de una familia diferente de plantas y de un Guardián inolvidable, con lecciones para aprender acerca de la identificación y uso de esas plantas. La Búsqueda de Shanleya es una historia que es a la vez educativo y divertido. Ordene sus libros en inglés y español para mejorar su habilidad de idiomas mientras aprende a identificar las plantas.
Stock Market Investing for Minority Teens & Friends, Carlos Osvaldo Gomez
Do you dream of being rich one day? If you truly want to be rich, you must learn to invest in stocks. This book, specifically for minority teens, will teach you how the stock market works. Build wealth with stocks! www.Amazon.com Carlos, M.Ed, M.A., is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. He currently teaches science and squeezes in some time to run a personal finance and success inspiration blog.
Mi Revolución, DannyBoy
Raised in La Puente, CA. Latino author and poet DannyBoy’s book Mi Revolucion is the inspirational and universal story of overcoming adversity, finding your voice and learning that using it can change your life and the lives of those around you. Its powerful message of redemption and staying true to who you are and where you come from has helped many realize that they have much to offer the world and that they can achieve amazing things no matter the cultural struggles and social challenges that they may face. “Mi Revolucion is fueled by love for my people” -DannyBoy
Thur., October 28, 2021, 5pm
Debra Castaneda has lived in five states, but she’s a Californian through and through. Raised in Monterey Park, she spent most weekends in Boyle Heights, listening to her grandmother’s spooky stories. After a career as a radio and television journalist, she now devotes her time to writing stories of supernatural suspense. Her urban fantasy, The Monsters of Chavez Ravine, is an International Latino Book Award winner. She has also written a series of young adult novels called Surviving Hillside, set in Northern California and featuring a teenage Latina heroine. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her taking long walks, making Mexican food, binge-watching creepy shows, and texting her two daughters. She lives with her husband in Capitola, California. Find her online and read her short stories at www.debracastaneda.com.
Donna Miscolta’s third book of fiction Living Color: Angie Rubio Stories was named to the 2020 Latino Books of the Year list by the Las Comadres and Friends National Latino Book Club. It won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Multicultural Fiction and an International Latino Book Award Gold Medal for Best Collection of Short Stories. It was a finalist for the American Fiction Award, the Nancy Pearl Award, and the Washington State Book Award. Her previous story collection Hola and Goodbye: Una Familia in Stories (2016), won the Doris Bakwin Award for Writing by a Woman, an Independent Publishers award for Best Regional Fiction, and an International Latino Book Award for Best Latino Focused Fiction. Poet Rick Barot called her first novel When the de la Cruz Family Danced (2011) “intricate, tender, and elegantly written.” Find her at donnamiscolta.com.
Gloria Arjona.
This book explores the origins of the 54 images of Lotería El Gallo, created in the early 20th century by French immigrant, Clemente Jacques, but greatly influenced by Mexican artist, José Guadalupe Posada. The author highlights the racial and gender prejudices mirrored in these images, and stresses the importance of the card-calling during the game. Included in this book are the most popular verses for a traditional card-calling, and the 54 images enlarged and in full color.
About the author
Born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Gloria Arjona teaches Spanish at California Institute of Technology. She is also a performer and an independent researcher, with special interest in Mexican culture and music, from a gender and race perspective. Among the themes she has explored are the music and the narrative in the visual work of Frida Kahlo, the Corridos of women during the Mexican Revolution, and the narrative work of José Guadalupe Posada. She recently published Posada’s Unknown Calaveras (Floricanto Press, June 2020), where she explores the narrative Day of the Dead tradition known as Literary Calaveras.
ESPAÑOL: Este libro explora los orígenes de las 54 imágenes de la Lotería El Gallo, creada a principios del siglo XX por el inmigrante francés Clemente Jacques, pero grandemente influenciada por el artista mexicano José Guadalupe Posada. La autora destaca los prejuicios raciales y de género que estas imágenes reflejan, y enfatiza la importancia de “la cantada” durante el juego. Se incluyen también los versos más populares para una cantada tradicional, y las 54 imágenes en tamaño grande y a todo color.
Sobre la autora
Originaria de El Paso, Texas, y criada en la Ciudad de México, la Dra. Gloria Arjona enseña español en el Instituto de Tecnología de California. También es intérprete e investigadora independiente, con especial interés en la cultura y la música mexicanas, desde una perspectiva de género y raza. Entre los temas que ha explorado se encuentran la música y la narrativa en la obra visual de Frida Kahlo, los Corridos de las mujeres durante la Revolución Mexicana, y la obra narrativa de José Guadalupe Posada. Recientemente publicó Las calaveras desconocidas de Posada (Floricanto Press, junio 2020), donde explora la tradición narrativa del Día de Muertos conocida como Calaveras Literarias.
Ana Crespo.
Originally from Brazil, Ana moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Education degree. Here she fell in love with children’s books and became a writer. She is the author of several titles including The Sock Thief: A Soccer Story, winner of an International Latino Book Award.
She is happiest when surrounded by nature and spends her summers traveling around the US and exploring some of the most beautiful places in America from where she gets many ideas for new stories. She currently lives with her family in Colorado. www.anacrespobooks.com
Thur., October 28, 2021, 6pm
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Martha Quintero, SDG&E
Martha Quintero has been with SDG&E for 36 years, her current role is a Community Outreach Advisor in the SDG&E territory. Her focus is to assist the community with education, tools, and program enrollment to assist customer with energy conservation and savings, she works with over 60 Community Based Organizations to amplify SDG&E information and to help customers reduce energy cost.
This presentation was made possible in partnership with Energy Upgrade California, a statewide initiative committed to helping Californians be more energy efficient, utilize more sustainable natural resources, reduce demand on the energy grid and make informed choices about their energy use at home and at work—all of which goes a long way for California.
Wed., October 20, 2021, 11am
Ismée Williams, YA Author of THIS TRAIN IS BEING HELD (Feb 2020, Amulet Books) and WATER IN MAY (Sept 2017, Amulet Books)
Ismée Williams is the critically acclaimed author of the YA contemporary #OwnVoices WATER IN MAY, a contemporary YA novel about a fifteen year old Dominican-American girl, Mari, who wants more than anything to have a baby so someone in her family will love her. Mari is forced to face challenges she never imagined when she learns the baby she’s carrying has only half a heart. Published by Amulet Books in the Fall of 2017, Water in May earned a Kirkus starred review and was called “Fierce and tender—and absolutely worth reading”, while VOYA described it as “realistic and compelling, heartfelt and heartbreaking.” Her second book, THIS TRAIN IS BEING HELD, about a Dominican-American boy from the Heights and a Cuban-American girl from the Upper East Side who meet while riding the subway, was published in February 2020. Called “a nuanced and tenderly pitched story,” by National Book Award Winner Elizabeth Acevedo, and “Heartfelt and meaty” by Kirkus, THIS TRAIN IS BEING HELD is a romance that tackles issues of racism and mental health and is a Junior Library Guild selection. Ismée has been an invited speaker at The Virginia Festival of the Book, LA Times Festival of the Book, NoVa Teen Book Festival, The NYC Teen Author Festival, The Southern Kentucky Book Festival, and The Bronx Book Festival among others. Ismée is a pediatric cardiologist who trained and worked at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City for 15 years and now sees patients in the Bronx. She is the daughter of a Cuban immigrant and was partially raised by her abuelos.
Follow her on Twitter and IG @IsmeeWilliams and her website: ismeewilliams.com
SUSANNAH RODRIGUEZ DRISSI is an award-winning writer, poet, playwright, translator, and scholar. Her poetry, prose, and academic papers have appeared or are forthcoming in journals and anthologies such as In Season: Stories of Discovery, Loss, Home, and Places in Between, which won the 2018 Florida Book Award; Publisher’s Weekly; the Los Angeles Review of Books; Miami Herald; Nuevo Herald; Saw Palm; Literal Magazine; Diario de Cuba (Madrid); SX Salon; Raising Mothers; the Acentos Review; and Cuba Counterpoints, among many others. Following readings at the University of California, Irvine and the University of California, Los Angeles, her award-winning play, Houses Without Walls, premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2018. More recently, her short plays, The Fruit Flies and Rey y Atenea were selected to the 2019 Short+Sweet Theatre Festival and premiered at the Lee Strasberg Film & Theatre Institute, in Los Angeles. Rey y Atenea received an Audience Choice Award and was Finalist for the 2019 NBC Universal Talent Infusion Programs Award. Her musical, Nocturno, will premiere this year in Miami, directed by Victoria Collado (John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Dummies), musical direction by Jesse Sánchez (Hamilton, the national tour), and produced by George Cabrera (3FEO Entertainment). Rodríguez Drissi is the author of The Latin Poet’s Guide to the Cosmos (Floricanto Press, 2019) and Rey y Atenea / Rey and Atenea, a Bilingual Edition (Cassandra Press, 2019). She is on the faculty of the Writing Programs at the University of California, Los Angeles. Until We’re Fish is Gold Medal Winner for Best Historical Fiction in the International Latino Book Awards and a Nautilus Book Award Winner for Best Fiction. Until We’re Fish has also been nominated for the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the PEN Open Book Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Book Award for Debut Novels.
Dr. Ma. Alma González Pérez is a biliteracy advocate and an
award-winning author of seven books, among them the best-seller and the
International Latino Book Awards Best Latino Focused Picture Book for
2017 Todos a comer! – A Mexican Food Alphabet Book and ILBA’s Best
Latino Focused Picture Book for 2020 Todos al rodeo! – A Vaquero
Alphabet Book.
¡Todos al rodeo! A Vaquero Alphabet Book has also received the
Pablita Velarde Book Award for an outstanding children’s publication
related to New Mexico or Southwest Borderlands by the Historical Society
of New Mexico, recognition as a Skipping Stones Honor Book, and a
Campoy Ada Honor Book for Non-Fiction Picture Book by the North
American Academy of the Spanish Language.
Dr. Pérez dedicated forty (40) years to the field of education in the
public schools and the university level. She now enjoys writing children’s
bilingual books, Spanish poetry, and local history as well as sharing her
work with children, parents, and educators across the state and the country to
“Meet the biliteracy challenges of the Hispanic Learner in the United
States.”
Cecilia Aragon is an Awards Winning Author, air-show pilot, and the first Latina full professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. She coauthored Writers in the Secret Garden, has worked with Nobel Prize winners, taught astronauts to fly, and created musical simulations of the universe with rock stars. Her major awards for research, and a stint at NASA designing software for Mars missions, led President Obama to call her “one of the top scientists and engineers in the country.” Winner of the 2021 Nancy Pearl Award, her memoir Flying Free: My Victory over Fear to Become the First Latina Pilot on the US Aerobatic Team was described by Kirkus as “a message of inspiration for those seeking to break free.” Flying Free lifts readers into the skies on a woman’s exhilarating journey from fearful, bullied daughter of immigrants to champion pilot. www.CeciliaAragonAuthor.com
Wed., OCTOBER 13, 11AM
Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President
Attorney Domingo Garcia has led an active civic, legal and political career. He was born in Midland, Texas and grew up in Dallas, Texas. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Texas in 1980. In 1983, he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. In 1982 he won a scholarship to study at the El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City and obtained a Masters diploma in International Relations.Domingo Garcia is a former Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Dallas and State Representative for Texas. In addition, he has been an editorial columnist/TV commentator and a successful trial lawyer for thirty years.
Interviewing him, we have
Kirk Whisler. He is the president of Western Publication Research, Inc., whose programs include Latino 247 Media Group, and WPR Books. He is the co-founder of Empowering Latino Futures which is the nonprofit that puts together community, education and author program including this latino book & family festival.
Sat., OCTOBER 16, 11AM
- Welcome by Emcees: Alina Gonzalez, AWA, Screenwriter, and Mike Gomez, Actor
- The Alma Flor Ada Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book Awards – Presented by Alma Flor Ada, ELF Legend
- Youth Chapter Book Awards – Presented by Cindy Rodriguez, Latinxs in Kid Lit Founder
- Young Adult Book Awards – Presented by Dr. Antonio Flores, CEO of Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
- Book Written by a Youth Book Awards – Presented by Charlie Ericksen, ELF Legend •
- Entertainment by 123 Andrés, Latin Grammy-winning music duo, www.123andres.com
- Children’s Picture Book Awards – Presented by Isabel Campoy, AWA
- Welcome by Emcee: Edward James Olmos, Actor, Director and ELF Chair
- Nonfiction Book Awards, Part I – Presented by Janet Murguia, UnidosUS CEO
- The Mimi Lozano History & Family History Book Awards – Presented by Mimi Lozano, ELF Legend
- NonFiction Book Awards, Part II – Presented by Enrique Parrilla, Publishers Weekly en Español
- NonFiction Book Awards, Part III – Presented by Domingo Garcia, National LULAC President
- Entertainment by Gina Chavez, internationally-acclaimed Latinx pop artist, www.ginachavez.com
- NonFiction Book Awards, Part IV – Presented by Castulo de la Rocha, AltaMed CEO
- NonFiction Book Awards, Part V – Presented by Daisy Martinez, Celebrity Chef, AWA
- Lifetime Achievement Award to Nicolás Kanellos, Arte Público Press – Presented by Kirk Whisler, ELF President
- The Victor Villaseñor Latino Focused Nonfiction Book Award – Presented by Victor Villaseñor, ELF Legend
Sun., OCTOBER 17, 11AM
- Welcome by Emcees: Bel Hernandez, LatinHeat Publisher and Jerry Velasco, Actor
- Poetry Book Awards – Presented by Juan Felipe Herrera, First Latino to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate, ELF Legend
- Marketing Book Awards – Presented by Angela Bole, IBPA CEO • The Mariposa Book Awards – Presented by Nora Comstock, Las Comadres para las Americas Founder
- Portuguese Book Awards – Presented by Nora Comstock, Las Comadres para las Americas Founder
- The Hank Lacayo Best Labor Themed Book Awards – Presented by Leah Lacayo, widow of ELF Legend Hank Lacayo
- Book Design Awards – Presented by John Echeveste, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes CEO
- eBook & Audiobook Awards – Presented by Pilar Velez, Mi Libro Hispano Co-founder
- Translation Book Awards – Presented by Nicanor Diaz, REFORMA President
- The Julian Nava Educational Themed Book, Part I – By Julian Nava, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, ELF Legend
- Entertainment by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, America’s first all women mariachi, reynadelosangelesmusic.com
- Themed Book Awards, Part II – Presented by Mary Gallagher, Los Angeles City College President
- Themed Book Awards, Part III – Presented by Dolores Huerta, Community Leader, Activist, ELF Legend
- Welcome by Emcees: Julia Abrantes, ELF Board Member and Al Gonzalez, Quad Air Communications
- The Rudolfo Anaya Latino Focused Fiction Book Awards – Presented by Edward James Olmos, Actor, Director, ELF Chair
- Fiction Book Awards, Part I – Presented by Alejandro Ramirez Flores, Direccion General, CANIEM
- Fiction Book Awards, Part II – Presented by Felipe Agredano, East Los Angeles College
- Entertainment by The Echo Park Project, recreating the salsa style music of NYC in SoCal, theechoparkproject.com
- Fiction Book Awards, Part III – Presented by Josefina Lopez, Screenplay Writer, Director
- Lifetime Achievement Award to Byrd Family, Cinco Puntos Press – Presented by Kirk Whisler, ELF President
- The Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Fiction Book Award – Presented by Isabel Allende, ELF Legend
Wed., OCTOBER 6, 11AM - LIVE
AUTHOR SESSION
Alma Lazar acquired her degree in Tourism Business Administration at the Autonomous University in Guadalajara, Mexico. As a student, she used to collaborate as a freelance writer with different local newspapers. During her career she worked part-time for the Mexican Government in the field of tourism, opening her own travel agency, one year after her graduation.
Due to her marriage and relocation to San Diego, California in the year 1994, she decided to sell her travel agency and explore the world of “floral designing” which has kept her busy since then. In the meantime, she continued writing a variety of cultural articles for “NOVIAS” a bilingual publication specialized in weddings. She later continued writing articles for different newspapers, some of which can be read on her blog.
She has lived a happy life surrounded by flowers until she had access to a story that changed her perception of the world. It was then when she felt the need to let her voice be heard and to share this story through the inspirational book When the Light Goes Out, published in English and Spanish.
Alma inherited the passion for reading through her Dad, who was always a great example to follow.
Javier Valderrama
Javier Valderrama was born in Santiago de Chile. He went to the film school at he Universidad del Desarrollo, where he specialized as a screenwriter. Volantín Cortao; his first film, won public choise award at the Valdivia International Festival in 2013. Taking a turn in his career, he decides to write short science fiction stories, to culminate with the publication of his first novel, El Arca (2020) and then his second novel Animales Salvajes (2021).
Andrea Olatunji
Award-winning author and seasoned educator Andrea Olatunji lives by her mission to validate and instill an appreciation for diversity in young children. She developed a passion for languages and cultures early on in her twenty-year-plus career. A native of Uruguay, Andrea has gained valuable expertise with diversity and multicultural environments.
Her children’s book series, Nuestra Fauna, is a fantastic resource to learn Spanish in a contextualized and fun way. The series features animals that are native to the Americas while teaching important values.
Susan Kralovansky’s first book, There Was a Tall Texan Who Swallowed a Flea, was released in 2013 from Pelican Publishing. Since then, she has written both fiction and nonfiction books. Susan is a founding member of the Nonfiction Ninjas and NF Fest.
The Book That Jake Borrowed – El libro que Jake tomo prestado is Susan’s 19th picture book and the fifth that she has also illustrated. Susan’s passion is getting kids excited about reading and writing. Her other passion is salted-almond chocolate bars. Yum!
Wed., OCTOBER 6, 12pm - LIVE
SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Our mission is to celebrate our communities and dedicate our passion and expertise to help each community member create their own story.
Presenter include:
Jacqueline Ayala, Principal Librarian, San Diego County Library
Orquidia Contreras, Librarian III, San Diego County Library
Diana Minuzzi, Librarian II, San Diego County Library
Wed., OCTOBER 6, 2pm - LIVE
AUTHOR SESSION
Philip Rivera
Award-winning author Philip Rivera finds writing inspiration from epic tasks such as lawn mowing, driving his way-cool minivan, and co-parenting his four children. His book, Suburban Luchador: The Cul-de-sac Chronicles, takes everyday, average scenarios and transforms them into whimsical stories about an underdog’s struggle against life’s mundane challenges. When he’s not writing, you can find him living the suburban dream in Florida, where he teaches high school and strives to make the perfect meatloaf.
Philip fancies making an adventure of life with his wife and kids, which is why he enjoyed coaching seven-year-old soccer, although his team lost every game. On a winning note, his thirst for family thrills has taken him to some amazing places. He once embarked on a 10-state road trip from Florida to the Grand Canyon using nothing but a minivan, a tent, Airbnb, and lots of screen time. Not satisfied with that level of familial adrenaline, the Riveras also vacationed in Egypt for an entire month. The latter excursion was done with four kids, all under nine years old. Follow Philip’s average humor on Instagram @philipdrivera, and sign up for updates and free stories at
Sat., October 2, 2021, 11 am
Recognized authors share with us their journey, stories, experiences, and a little about their books.
Jaquelin Fematt Dutson
Originally from Durango, Mexico, Jaquelin did her undergraduate and graduate work at UC, San Diego where she also served as a member of the teaching faculty. She worked as senior Spanish linguist and editor for a software language company in Belgium. She teaches Spanish and Literature at La Jolla Country Day School.
Jaquelin has presented at national conferences and book festivals, and she is one of the contributing authors of the Award Winning book, Dèjame que te cuente.
Alma M. García was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Her father was a Mexican immigrant
and her mother was a U.S-born Mexican. Alma has been a professor of sociology at Santa Clara
University since 1982. Her autobiography, Club Oasis: Childhood Memories, is a collection of
coming-of-age stories told from the perspective of Pinky García, the author's younger self. She
creates her Club Oasis as a space where her imagination soars. She starts a newspaper, a radio
program, an animal hospital, science laboratory and a library. The memoir's themes include:
pride in her Mexican heritage, love and respect for her family, a love of education and the
importance of bilingualism.
https://www.scu.edu/cas/sociology/faculty-and-staff
Maricia Rodríguez, AWA, Book Designer, Del Alma Publications
She is the vice president of Marketing and Business Development at Del Alma Publications. She received her MBA in Finance from University of Houston Victoria and Bachelors of Bioenvironmental Science from Texas A&M University. Maricia is a also a book designer in various book projects with Del Alma Publications.
Sat., October 2, 2021, 1 PM (ESPAÑol)
Isabel García Cintas es una escritora y periodista independiente que reside en Florida desde hace dos décadas y en los Estados Unidos desde 1987. Estudió periodismo y fotografía en Buenos Aires y luego de trabajar durante tres años en Melbourne, Australia, se radicó en el sur de su país donde contribuyó durante una década con el periodismo escrito y radial, además de ejercer distintas funciones en entidades comunitarias. Con este caudal de experiencias inmigratorias y viajes por el mundo, ha escrito tres novelas: Del Mediterráneo al Plata, 2011, (finalista en el 2012 Global e-Books Awards) Incidente en la Patagonia, 2012 (Mención de Honor 2015 Latino Books Into Movies Awards) y la más reciente, El recado de la mujer holandesa, (Finalista 2021 ILBA Best Novel-Mystery). Ha publicado también en 2016 un libro de cuentos, La casa vieja y otros relatos, (Gold Medal – Spanish Languaje, 2016 Florida Book Awards y Honorable Mention 2016 ILBA Best Popular Fiction -Spanish). Dos de sus libros han sido traducidos al inglés. Sus narraciones y cuentos figuran en tres antologías y han sido publicados en distintos medios del país. En la actualidad Isabel pertenece al personal editor de la revista cultural LetraUrbana.com. Página Web de la autora: www.isabelgarciacintas.com
Mayra L. Ortiz Padua nace en Bayamón Puerto Rico. Curso estudios en la Universidad de Puerto Rico en
Pedagogía. Tiene un bachillerato en Educación Preescolar y Elemental y una Maestría en Educación
Ambiental de la Universidad Ana G. Méndez. Posee estudios post graduados de la Escuela Literaria de
España en Creación Literaria. Preside la Fundación Ecológica Pro Ambiente del Caribe. Se desempeña
actualmente como Profesora de Español en el Colegio de la Salle de Bayamón. Es Profesora de Ética y
Moral en el Colegio de la Ciencias y Artes de la televisión y ofrece un curso de escritura creativa en la
Universidad Ana G. Méndez de Cupey. Ha trabajado para la Editorial SM en el proyecto Editorial Mundo
para todos y se desempeño como coach para la Editorial Santillana y la Institución educativa NETS.
Ofrece talleres de escritura a maestros de escuela pública y privada del país. Preside la Editorial Raíces
P.R./Servicios Educativos Integrales, donde ha publicado la gran parte de sus obras literarias. Es
cuentista, poeta y novelista y ha ganado Certámenes Literarios en y fuera del país como el certamen Sea
Grant de la Universidad de Mayagüez, el Certamen Literario de la Universidad Central y ha sido finalista
en el Certamen del Cuento Oral de la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Ha participado de eventos
literarios como el Festival de la Palabra, La Campechada y actualmente produce y dirige el Festival del
Cuento Puertorriqueño.
Cecilia Aragón, AWA, Flying Free
Cecilia Aragon is an author, air-show pilot, and the first Latina full professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. She co-authored Writers in the Secret Garden, has worked with Nobel Prize winners, taught astronauts to fly, and created musical simulations of the universe with rock stars. Her major awards for research, and a stint at NASA designing software for Mars missions, led President Obama to call her “one of the top scientists and engineers in the country.”
Álvaro Ramírez is from Michoacán, México. He migrated with his family to Ohio as an adolescent. He obtained a BA in Spanish and Education at Youngtown State University and an MA and Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Southern California. He has taught at various institutions including the University of Southern California, Occidental College, and California State University, Long Beach. Since 1993, he has worked at Saint Mary’s College of California where he is a Professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. He specializes in Spanish Golden Age and Latin American literature as well as Mexican Film and Chicano Cultural Studies. He also serves as Resident Director for the Saint Mary’s College Semester Program in Cuernavaca, México. In 2016, Prof. Ramírez published a collection of short stories, Los norteados, which received an Honorable Mention Award at the 2017 International Latino Book Awards. In addition, he has edited three online publications of Conference Proceedings: Imágenes de postlatinoamérica, volumen 1 (2018) and Imágenes de postlatinoamérica, volumen 2 (2019), Imágenes de postlatinoamérica, volumen 3 (2020). He has also published articles on Don Quixote, Mexican film, and Chicano Studies in several academic journals.
Sat., October 2, 2021, 2 PM
Naibe Reynoso, AWA, Fearless Trailblazers, Be Bold! Be Brave, among others
Naibe Reynoso is a multiple-Emmy award-winning journalist with over two decades of career experience. She is also a board member for the prestigious Peabody Awards. Her work as a freelance reporter has been seen on CNN Espanol, France 24, Reelz Channel, Univision, Telemundo/KWHY, and Fox News Latino to name a few. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Sociology, and a double concentration in Psychology and Chicano Studies. This is her first children’s book. It was written to help inspire the next generation of little ones, and highlights Latina trailblazers. She is a mother of a teenage girl and a young boy and lives with her husband Jeff, a comedy writer, in her native, Los Angeles, California.
www.naibereynoso.com
It was very difficult to write this book and I had a lot of apprehension, but this is truly who I am. I felt the need to free myself from the secrets and the demons which held me hostage – I was living a lie. I’ve been able to accomplish many things I could have only dreamt about: Licensed International Addiction Counselor. Certify Health Educator Inventor of a Medical Orthopedic Device/US Government Patent. Business owner of Burglar Stop Surveillance. Certified Locksmith. Fugitive Recovery Agent (Bounty Hunter). Served nine years as a coordinator for the Crime Watch Program, and thirteen years as a volunteer community leader. Former member of the Florida Crime Prevention Association. Retired and married with seven grandchildren, two dogs and living in Florida.
Wed., September 22, 2021,
2pm - LIVE
Every writer should consider going through the process of reviews, and award contests. Winning an award gives credibility to an author as a writer. The logo or award is placed on the book cover to represent value.
Educator and writer. This is her first book of the many to come. She enjoys traveling, visiting local coffee shops, and dancing. Resides in San Diego, CA.
Leticia Ordaz is an Emmy-nominated TV anchor at Channel 3 in Sacramento, CA. A journalist for more than 20 years for television stations in Nevada and California, she is married with two young sons. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. CielitoLindoBooks.com
Wed., September 29, 2021, 11am
The purpose of this session is to provide information about health resources, opportunities the community should be aware of, and how to access them.
El propósito de esta session es proveer información sobre recursos de salud, oportunidades que la comunidad necesita conocer y cómo acceder a estos recursos.
TrueCare Community Health Outreach team Estrella Ortega and Daniel Hallman. will discuss the programs offered at the health center to address unique needs of seniors, youth, caregivers, and other targeted demographics!
TrueCare mission is to improve the health status of our diverse communities by providing quality healthcare that is comprehensive, affordable, and culturally sensitive.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | www.TrueCare.org
MENTAL HEALTH
TBD
Join us for this session on Mental Health.
Destigmatizing mental health access in Latino communities. Social worker and mental health therapist. Therapy specifically for Latinos – Bilingual.
Wed., September 1st, 2021
ESPAñOL
Alma Flor Ada, Cubana-Americana, reconocida autora de libros para niños, poeta, y novelista.
Ella ha escrito numerables libros para niños y adultos en espanol e ingles. Professora Emerita en la Universidad de San Francisco. A la fecha reside en Estados Unidos.
Wed., September 8, 2021, 11am
The purpose of this session is to provide information about health resources, opportunities the community should be aware of, and how to access them.
El propósito de esta session es proveer información sobre recursos de salud, oportunidades que la comunidad necesita conocer y cómo acceder a estos recursos.
TrueCare Community Health Outreach team will be discussing the programs and services offered at their locations. Join them to learn more about your local community clinic!
TrueCare mission is to improve the health status of our diverse communities by providing quality healthcare that is comprehensive, affordable, and culturally sensitive.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | www.TrueCare.org
Beatrice Zamora, Award Winning Author, Aztec Dancer, Mentor, & Therapist
Author of The Spirit of Chicano Park / El espíritu del Parque Chicano and Am I Blue or Am I Green- Azul o verde. ¿Cuál soy yo?
www.toltecapress.com
Wed., September 22, 2021,
11AM - LIVE
Every writer should consider going through the process of reviews, and award contests. Winning an award gives credibility to an author as a writer. The logo or award is placed on the book cover to represent value.
Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. Her books have earned Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist along with praise from O, The Oprah Magazine, Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Frolic, and more. She earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University where she currently serves as adjunct faculty while also teaching the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. A long-time romance enthusiast, Priscilla’s also a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock. Find out more and check out her events calendar at
https://prisoliveras.com/books
Twitter and Instagram via @prisoliveras
Writer and poet, focusing on mind-brain relationships with an emphasis on spirituality, mysticism, environmentalism, and social activism. Professor of Cognitive Science and Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego.
Alexandra Castrillón Gómez (Colombia, 1978). Nómada en constante exploración. Alexandra ha vivido en Medellín, Bogotá, Bilbao, Ciudad de México y Miami, y aunque estos son los sitios a los que alguna vez ha llamado «hogar», son los dos viajes alrededor del mundo y los múltiples recorridos que ha hecho en los cinco continentes, los que le han permitido tener la amplitud de visión y mentalidad que les transmite a los lectores a través de sus novelas. Alexandra es una de las nuevas voces femeninas de la literatura latinoamericana con una narrativa innovadora, fresca y contemporánea. Es miembro de FILCOL (Feria Internacional del libro de Colombia en el exterior) y embajadora de buena voluntad de Hispanic Heritage Literature Organization, entidad dedicada a crear e impulsar proyectos literarios y programas culturales que preservan el idioma español y la cultura Hispana en los Estados Unidos. Fue seleccionada para el 2021 Writers Mentorship Program de Latinx in Publishing con el fin de mejorar su técnica como escritora, obtener conocimiento sobre la industria editorial en Estados Unidos y expandir su red profesional. El mentor de Alexandra es el escritor venezolano Luis Alejandro Ordoñez.
Periodista y escritora, es Premio Nacional de Periodismo 2005. Su escritura se distingue por desnudar el alma de sus personajes, tiene la sensibilidad, la intuición y la garra para preguntar lo que nadie se atreve. Otros títulos: Esperanza Iris, 100 rebanadas de Sabiduría empresaria…
She is the architect of the Supportive Accountability Leadership Model, a simple but powerful framework that helps leaders create an engaging work environment while promoting accountability and improving performance. Founder and CEO of Melena Consulting Group.
Wed., August 25, 2021
ESPAÑOL
Juan Felipe Herrera es un Poeta, artista y dibujante, escritor, maestro, y activista.
Ha escrito más de 30 libros, y recibido 4 doctorados. En el 2012 fue nombrado por el gobernador Jerry Brown como Poet Laureate (loriet) de California y en el 2015 fue seleccionado por la Bibliotecaria al mando, la doctora James Billington de la Biblioteca del Congreso como Poet Laureate de los Estados Unidos. Sus posgrados y logros los atribuye a todas las familias y sus lectores. Sus padres le enseñaron a dar e incluir a cada persona ya que eso es humanidad.
Julia Abrantes
Forma parte del club de Las Comadres para Las Américas desde el 2009. Ella ama la literatura Latina y por mas de 7 años fue una leader en discusiones en clubs de libros en la ciudad de Nueva York. Desde el 2010, ella es parte del comite y jurado de los International Latino Book Awards. Reside en Loganville, Georgia y ayuda a coordinar Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club.
Our communities deserve equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine along with factual and culturally relevant information.
The Latino Community Foundation is heeding the words of our Latino-led grassroots nonprofits that are on the ground supporting the needs of our communities in real-time.
https://latinocf.org/covid-19-vaccine-outreach/
- Wear a mask
- Get tested and vaccinated
- Visit myturn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 for an appointment today
- Spread the word about these safe practices!
Sat., August 28, 2021, 11am
For today’s session, presenters Kimberly Smith and Liz deRoulet will provide an overview of AARP California’s focus areas and work in the community and across the state. We will share more about local offerings in San Diego and cover resources around caregiving, livable communities, fraud and scams prevention, and more.
AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age.
Presenter: Dr. James Cruz, Chief Medical Officer of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Dr. Cruz has dedicated his career to serving California’s diverse communities of color. Dr. Cruz is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. Promise Health Plan is Blue Shield of California’s Medi-Cal (Medicaid) health plan.
Blue Shield of California is a nonprofit health plan dedicated to providing Californians with access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.
We believe we’re Better Together. That’s why we provide quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It’s about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision.
Presenter: Damaris De La Torre, Outreach and Enrollment Manager
Main phone number for our clinic 1-833-867-4642
Wed., September 1, 2021, 11am
What happens when non-profits don’t have the resources to cover the needs in the communities?
Where do people go for services?
The purpose of this session is to provide information about health resources, opportunities the community should be aware of, and how to access them.
El propósito de esta session es proveer información sobre recursos de salud, oportunidades que la comunidad necesita conocer y cómo acceder a estos recursos.
Presenter: Yeraldin Montiel, Program Coordinator, Outreach from Vista Community Clinic. She is accompanying us for today’s health conversation about their programs and services available.
VCC mission is to advance community health and hope by providing access to premier health services and education for those who need it most.
This year, the event will start on Saturday, August 7th, and will end on November 6th, 2021. This will be a three-month effort with continuous programming on Wednesdays at 11 am. The presentations will include information on education for K-12, college success, art, music, literacy, health, writing, books, award winning author panels, and
community engagement.
Everyone is welcome to join these free events. The organization seeks to expanding once again and hosting the event around the USA.
The event seeks to provide a common place to learn & be exposed to opportunities even in a virtual setting. Our organization, Empowering Latino Futures, believes that community success is limited by access to resources, and it seeks to change that.
The festival committee is composed of community leaders, educators, librarians, and Award Winning Authors that every month come together to ensure that the event is well organized, well attended, and has a great array of workshops, activities, and entertainment.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
The MAAC Child Development team will be leading a presentation on what are the benefits in enrolling children in early childhood education programs, and reviewing program options are currently available through MAAC. We will also be sharing information on upcoming events and resources available to the community.
MAAC Head Start, Early Head Start and State Preschool programs deliver national school readiness programs at no cost to eligible families (based on family size and income). It serves children (0-5) and their families, children with disabilities, and pregnant women in the communities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos, Valley Center, and Vista.
The MiraCosta Community College District Mission is to provide educational opportunities and student-support services to a diverse population of learners with a focus on their success. MiraCosta College offers associate degrees, university-transfer courses, career-and-technical education, certificate programs, basic-skills education, and lifelong-learning opportunities that strengthen the economic, cultural, social, and educational well-being of the communities it serves.
WHAT IF EVERYONE IN AMERICA SPOKE ENGLISH AND ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
In America’s Bilingual Century, Steve Leveen reveals an America on the cusp of an invigorating new direction: embracing bilingualism as the path to a stronger, healthier nation, one that is both more compassionate and globally competitive.
Author Steve Leveen spent 12 years researching the societal shifts that are bringing the US to this newly emerging reality. He also interviewed hundreds of language teachers, bilingual speakers, and legislative visionaries who are championing bilingualism.
He turned his research and reporting into a podcast, America the Bilingual, which is also the name of the bilingual advocacy project he founded. Many of the stories in the episodes are also found in his book America’s Bilingual Century.
The art of dance is a discipline that promotes teamwork. Dancing teaches awareness, focus, communication, creativity, respect, confidence, and discipline. Everyone interested in programs like this, look into your children’s schools or other community programs. AND Thank youVeronica Casanova for providing clips from the hard work that your students are doing. Especially your advanced group of dancers for winning in the Nationals!
Wed., August 18, 2021
Libraries make a difference in people’s lives. They empower people by offering resources, services, and training. In this session, Israel Marroquin from the Oceanside Public Library put together some information for everyone to know more about careers in libraries.
Today, we wanted to highlight three of the authors who attended one of the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) conference back in March 2021. Among them include:
- Sandra Gonzalez, author of I am Radiant!
- Linda Gonzalez, author of Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling
- Moderating the session, Jose Chavez, author of Estrellitas y Nopales.
PARTNERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
About the event
The purpose of the event is to help and impart opportunities in the community, ideally reaching out to Latino families and youth. Highlight the importance of literacy (books, health, wealth) and promote awareness of college, career paths, and community resources. Meet our Award Winning role model authors as they share the importance of reading, activism & equal representation.
The Latino Book & Family Festival was first celebrated in 1997, and 68 festivals have been held since then in eight markets around the USA including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Bernardino, and San Diego.
The Latino Book & Family Festivals is a community program of Empowering Latino Futures, a 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Fallbrook, CA. The organization believes that community success is limited by access to resources and so it provides this free setting to learn and be exposed to opportunities.