Published in 2004
328 pages
Growing up a Navy brat, Sylvia Mendoza lived in different versions of paradise like Hawaii, Guam, San Diego and—later in life—Puerto Rico. Through all those travels and more, she found peace at beaches and her passions took root. Her most constant source of entertainment was reading, writing in diaries, learning about different cultures and the fine art of people watching. The combo led her to write professionally, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism along the way. Firmly believing that every person has a story to tell, writing profiles and features stories—people stories—became her passion. It wasn’t enough. The creative muse—and writing groups—helped her find a delightful outlet writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and lyrics.
Now an award-winning journalist and author, Sylvia knows that writing articles inspires her, writing non-fiction educates her and writing women’s fiction frees her. When she has to get away from her computer and get the blood flowing again, running near beaches is her favorite stress release. Spin classes, salsa dancing, live music, and dreams of more traveling can also do the trick.
What is this book about?
From fiery superstars like singing sensation Selena, who blazed new trails in pop culture, to little-known heroes like the Mirabal Sisters, who died for their country and whose brave actions changed history, The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success, spotlights 150 amazing and influential Latinas.
These fabulous women come from all periods in history and all walks of life. They’ve impacted the world with their contributions and accomplishments in history, science, politics, education, the arts, activism, sports, news, and entertainment—past and present…
• Eva Peron ruled Argentina with flamboyance and an iron fist.
• France Anne Cordova was the youngest person to ever hold the Chief Scientist position at NASA
• Luisa Moreno organized civil rights groups to fight deplorable and unfair working conditions in sweatshops, factories, and agricultural fields in the 1930s.
• Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz was the first feminist intellectual of the New World.
• Rosemary “Rosie” Casals lobbied for equal rights for women on the tennis courts as a seven-time Wimbledon Women’s Champion.
• Botanist Ynez Mexia’s first expedition was at the age of 57—in the 1950s.
Throughout history, Latinas have broken down barriers and stereotypes, blazing their own trails to make a difference. They have followed their passions, expressed creativity, developed cures, stirred up controversy, stood up against the majority, fought for the underdog, and even died for their beliefs. These Latinas are catalysts of profound change.
