The event is organized by
Empowering Latino Futures in collaboration with MiraCosta College
Empowering Latino Futures, formerly Latino Literacy Now, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization founded to promote literacy in the community in all forms: educational, financial, reading, health, and community awareness. Empowering Latino Futures (ELF) is a goal-driven organization focusing on education, community building and content issues affecting underserved communities and working with authors. Since 1997, when Edward James Olmos and Kirk Whisler co-founded Latino Literacy Now, over a million people have been impacted by our organization over the years.
Read more at https://empoweringlatinofutures.org/
MiraCosta College, where student equity takes
a backseat to no one. At MiraCosta College, it is our mission
to provide superior educational opportunities and student
support services for a diverse population of learners. A 121-
acre, hilltop campus with stunning views stretching from the
mountains to the sea, MiraCosta College’s Oceanside Campus is the ideal venue for The
Latino Book & Family Festival.
When it comes to outdoor events, nothing can surpass the Campus Quad. Anchored by
the landmark clock tower, the centrally located Quad includes lush lawns, a relaxing
fountain, and an inviting pavilion – not to mention a cafeteria and art gallery just a
few steps away. Best of all, the Oceanside Campus offers easy access from the 5 and 78
freeways plus ample free parking.
As a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, MiraCosta
College is positioned for grants and services geared to
dramatically improve the success of Latino students who
make up 40% of our student body. Among our many
successful programs is the Puente Project, which provides
the support and counseling to better help Latino students
navigate the myriad challenges they can face and provides a
clear pathway to help them achieve their goal in a timely fashion.
In collaboration with businesses and organizations we have successfully held over 70 festivals nationwide. In most recent years MiraCosta College has been the host of the Festival in the North San Diego county.
Festival Planning Committee Members
Thank you to all our Host Committee members for making this festival possible!
This event would not have been possible without several hundred people´s efforts. In particular we would like to thank:
- Dr. Sunny Cooke, Superintendent/president
- MiraCosta College Foundation
- Gaby Beaz-Love and Tereza Zafra Lopez Outreach Specialist, School Relations & Diversity Outreach
- Jonathan Gomez, Program manager, Outreach
- Jonathan Fohrman, Dean
- Kristen Huyck, MiraCosta College Director Public and Governmental Relations
Student ambassadors for their hard work and guidance.
MiraCosta College Facilities, Grounds, Media Services, Music, Collage Police Departments and Library
Committee Chairs:
- Edward Becerra
- Jonathan Gomez
- Norma Jasso
- Melissa Lopez
- Gaby Bean-Love
- Lisa Montes
- Esther Reyes-Jones
- Kirk Whisler
- Tereza Zafra-Lopez
Festival Committee Members
- Paola Alegria
- Lauren Barker
- Gaby Beas
- Edward Becerra
- Jacqueline “Kiki” Bispo
- Andrea Chavez
- Gordon Chavez
- Victoria Chavez
- Annalisa Clements
- Juan Estrada
- Ray Flores
- Jonathon Gomez
- Jonathan Gonzalez
- Sonia Gonzalez
- Armando Herrero
- Kerry Holloman
- Armando Herrero
- Kerry Holloman
- Norma Jasso
- Melissa Lopez
- Eric Mateo
- Andrew Mertig
- Lisa Montes
- Lisa Muldowney
- MeKrae Parsons
- Jessica Ramirez
- Esther Reyes Jones
- Rosario Reyes
- Adan Rodriguez
- Monica Rodriguez
- Isaias Sanchez
- Melanie Slone
- Rita Soza
- Alejandro Tamayo
- Gloria Torres
- Carmela Vasquez
- Leticia Vera
- Kirk Whisler
- Tereza Zafra Lopez
- Tiffany Zhang
- Lisa Montes must be sincerely thanked for her tireless efforts & leadership to first bring the Latino Book & Family Festival to MiraCosta College. -Thank you, Kirk Whisler
Through this event local authors are invited to sell signed books, interact with their readers and share the importance of reading. To bring awareness of college education, career paths, and community resources.
Our goal for 2023 is to bring more than 100 exhibitors that includes a variety of authors, information on mental health, financial and education. With an expectation of over 3,000 people attending.
The First festival was celebrated in 1997, and 70 Festivals have been held since then in eight markets around the USA. Festivals have been held in: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Bernardino, and San Diego. Combined attendance is estimated to 900,000+ since its beginnings. Over the last two decades, 4,000+ companies have participated in these Festivals from the automotive, communications, educational, energy, entertainment, financial services, food, governmental, insurance, library, media, nonprofit, publishing, retail, travel & transportation, and union sectors.
During the pandemic in 2020 this event was held virtually, a team of community leaders, educators, librarians, and Award Winning Authors have come together to ensure that the event continued. It was well attended, and had a great array of workshops, activities, and entertainment.
In most recent years MiraCosta College has been the host of the Festival in the North County San Diego. This year we celebrate 71st event with the participation of local authors and organizations.