LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS FOR JUNE

 

Comadre Rubi Hurtado Editor-in-Chief

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News. 

  We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

 NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

  

 

  

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

 

Tanginika Cuascud (Grapevine, TX) – Last year, Tanginika was appointed to the Education Committee of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), and to the ISSM Podcast Subcommittee and selected to serve as a host and interviewer for the ISSM Uncovered Podcast.  Her first published interview as host was released on March 13, 2026.   She was also the recipient of the AASECT Amplifying Voices Award for The Sex Doctor YouTube channel, recognizing its contribution to accessible, sex-positive public education.  THIS YEAR, Tanginika was selected to serve as a manuscript reviewer for The Journal of Sexual Medicine and was recognized by Top Latinos Magazine’s Latino Who’s Who as a “Top Latino Sexologist.”

Evelyn Escamilla-Nichols (Austin, TX) – was honored to be one of five artists selected for PrintAustin’s 2026 5X5 Texas Edition exhibition, one of the print organization’s annual juried shows.  The exhibition is a survey of traditional printmaking techniques and innovative approaches in contemporary printmaking. This year’s juror was Maria Elena Ortiz, curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas.  The exhibition will be at the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery, Midwestern State University, from July 3 - August 7, 2026.

Malu Garza (Houston, TX) – two of her art pieces with America's subjects were chosen to be on a show at the Kevin Brady Library in The Woodlands, TX.

Cindy Landez Velasquez (San Antonio, TX)  – was appointed to the City of San Antonio's Streets, Bridges and Sidewalks Advisory Board in May.  She's excited and looking forward to serving.

Karina Martinez (Austin, TX) – sent into production her Frida Pants, which will be available for sale by the end of July through her The Lorenza brand.  Check them out here:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DXPJqYCjnE7/

Dra. Veronica Medina (San Antonio, TX) – excited to share that in April she was promoted to Deputy Director of the 502d Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio.

 

COMADRES BOOK NEWS

Elda Acevedo Estefania (Austin, TX) – is pleased to announce the publication of her book, InterCulturaling: For Those of Us Who Live Our Lives in Translation and the People Who Live It With Us. It is a cultural memoir.  The Spanish version is in the works.  Visit her at www.eldaacevedo.com.  

Rosalina Diaz (Brooklyn, NY) – her fictional short story “Stolen Moments” was published in the anthology, Tengo Sed: An Anthology of Works Celebrating Black Voices, Identities, and Personhood by University of Illinois Press.

Rubi Hurtado (Miami, FL) – had the privilege of publishing the first issue of the cultural magazine Xauxamanta as its Editor-in-Chief. Many of the featured articles originated as presentations from the Kuyayky START Labs, a conference series dedicated to exposing youth and children in the Andes to multidisciplinary talks exploring Science, Technology, and ART. Bringing together diverse voices—both children and adults—the magazine explores topics like archaeology, traditional cooking, and mental health through the unique lens of Peruvian Andean culture. Accompanied by beautiful photography, this issue celebrates the incredible work of traditional artists, showcasing heritage crafts ranging from embroidery and stationery to regional liquors. It was printed but is also available on Google Books.  

 

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Congratulations to all !

 

 NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

 

 

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS FOR MAY

 

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Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News. 

 

 We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

 

 

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

Three of our Comadres were recognized by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine with a Milestone Award:

Jazmin Diaz (San Jose, CA) – Founder and CEO of Flourish Learning & Development LLC is being recognized as an executive leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for personal and professional growth by Hispanic Lifestyle.  Her Milestone Award will be presented on June 17 in California.

 

Michelle Herrera Mulligan (Brooklyn, NY) – was honored for shaping the future of storytelling and expanding the marketplace of ideas. Associate Publisher and Vice President of Primero Sueño Press, Michelle is helping redefine how stories are told and who gets to tell them.  She received her Milestone Award in New York City on May 20th.

 

 Rhina Valentin (New York, NY) – was recognized for “elevating culture, community, and creative expression in New York.”  Rhina is a powerful creative force whose work continues to shape New York’s cultural and media landscape.  She too received her Milestone Award on May 20th.

 

 

Julie Anna Alvarez Rivera (New York, NY) – With 20 years of career advising experience in higher education career services and in the private sector, Julie Anna has launched her own career consultant practice "Career Journey Now" to help individuals navigate their job search or career transition. More details are available at www.careerjourneynow.wixsite.com/jaar.

            PLUS! This Spring marks her 11th year of volunteering alongside her sister and fellow Comadre, Clara Galvano Rivera, with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc.'s annual Education Scholarship Committee, participating in the review of aspiring students' written applications and interviewing applicants who make the initial cut. We are impressed each year by the intelligent and talented students we get to see through this process! We can't wait to hear the news of which students are ultimately selected to receive these $2000 scholarships.

 

Aurora Anaya (Los Angeles, CA) – is celebrating the first year of her mobile bookstore! She launched Bloom Wild Bookshop in June 2025 to bring books and CA native plants to communities. Since then, her bookmobile has popped up in 25 cities, had 52 activations and driven over 1,000 miles. Some amazing milestones have included being a part of events in six prominent cultural institutions and a month-long residency at the LA County Fair.  Aurora is happy to be back in bookselling and promoting diversity in books and plants!

 

Andrea Arroyo (New York, NY) – is thrilled to share that her exhibition “Imagination and Activism” in Barcelona, generated a really positive response from audience and the media.

 

Egli Colón-Stephens (New York, NY) – will be teaching a writing workshop for the Festival Del Libro y Cultura Dominicana on July 11 entitled ‘El Vuelo Migratorio: Writing Between Languages, Loss and Belonging.’ It’s open to all writers.  Register at www.DomincanWriters.org/DWAEvents.

 

Dora Herrera (Los Angeles, CA) – is proud to be included in the Pasadena City College 100 Women: Bold Enough To Bloom inaugural awards luncheon - celebrating business leaders achievements, tenacity, and community impact of extraordinary businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and advocates across the region.

 

Isis Martinez (Austin, TX) – started a new job as Director, HR Business Partner at Seekr, an AI Tech organization.

 

Rachel “Rachel” Moran Nevarez (Pharr, TX) – is proud to announce that she is a part-time Adjunct Instructor teaching South Texas Community College- Administrative Office Procedures and Legal Office Procedures.  She’s held the position since January.

 

Monica Trasandes (Los Angeles, CA) – was interviewed by Pam Covarrubias of Café con Pam, a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to “fight calladita culture by healing your inner niña,” by talking about mental health, personal growth, and more. Pam asked insightful questions like, “growing up, what roles did you give yourself in your family that no one gave you?” You can watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxLDVn_zgBw&t=2452s

 

 

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COMADRE AUTHORS

 

  

Dr. Melissa DuPont-Reyes (New York, NY) – is excited to share the newly released SOCIALSVOICE e-book, which summarizes her participatory study with Latino youth on social media’s impact on adolescent mental health. The study recruited participants through the Comadres network, and Dr. DuPont-Reyes is deeply grateful for the vital contributions of the network and its members, including Comadres members who served on the Community Advisory Board.   The book is being shared with participating families, policymakers, Community Advisory Board members, and other key stakeholders to help put a spotlight on Latino youth voices in the conversation about social media and adolescent mental health!  Explore the SocialsVoice study e-book on our project website:  https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research-labs/socialsvoice

 

Elvia Gonzalez (Leander, TX) – self-published her motivational book, Imbloqueable: De la sobrecarga a la Paz con Poder, sin dejar de ser exitosa y amada. The book is available in Spanish at www.ElviaGonzalez.com.   The best writing advice Elvia ever received was:  to create a clear thinking system that helps you organize your ideas and intentionally guide the reader with clarity and curiosity.

 

Lucinda Mayo (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) – has a Photographic History book with Arcadia Publishing entitled, Images of America: Amagansett, with co-author Carleton Kelsey. In 1998 also contributed to another 'Long Island' book, this one re women's lives, which can be viewed at https://www.amazon.com/Long-Island-Women-Activists-Innovators/dp/1557871507.  Lucinda’s main website presents her textile works, and gives the most complete picture of her general 'trayectoria': https://www.lucindaquilts.com.  And her most 'Latina' site would be the very basic https://fandombuki.weebly.com -- the only Latina connection for the Amagansett and Long Island Women books is that I'm imagining some NYC Comadres may head out to East End beaches in the summertime.

            The best writing advice Lucinda ever received she garnered from books by Marilynne Robinson, the generous-spirited novelist, and from writing professor/author John Maguire.  His insistence on concrete language, ie. his useful if tongue-in-cheek question re heavy use of objects/images: 'Can you drop it on your foot?'

 

  

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Congratulations to all and Thank You for your service!

 

 NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and 

not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

 

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS' ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS -- APRIL

 

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News. 

 We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

  

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

 

Andrea Arroyo (New York, NY) -- Two of her artworks are featured in the book “No Te Olvides”, presented with an exhibition in Barcelona, Spain.

 Judithh Canades, PhD (Eagle Pass, TX) -- Honored to address the Southwest Texas College (SWTX) Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Spring Induction Ceremony in March in Eagle Pass, Texas where 30 students were inducted into the PTK Beta Lambda Gamma Chapter. As an alumna of Southwest Texas College and a Phi Theta Kappa member, she was pleased to share her experiences as a student who began at SWTX and continued to pursue my education and career in government, nonprofit management, and public service in Texas and Washington, D.C.

 Lynette Correa-Velez (Chicago, IL) – She was accepted into the MYB Fractional Support Program-Spring 2026 Cohort to assist her in scaling her GenAI tech start-up, Pagame Project, based in Chicago, IL. Latina Mompreneurs unite! For more info, go here: https://mybfractional.com/

 Nereida Claudio (Woodstock, GA) – Launched her shop, Spanish Abuela. You can follow her and shop at https://spanish-abuela.square.site/ The website celebrates the wisdom and sass of our culture as handed down through dichos & refranes. Check her out and follow SpanishAbuela_ online today on Instagram and Facebook.

 Jamie Della (Mammoth Lakes, CA) -- Her presentation, A Mexican perspective of the Bear Flag Revolt: Using folklore, testimonios, letters, and oral histories to reveal the Californio experience of annexation and early evidence of the cultural conflict pervasive in America today, was accepted for the XVIII Recovering the US Hispanic Literary Heritage/Association for Documentary Editing Joint Conference, Record Keepers of Nation: Diverse Foundational Figures and Documents of the US, scheduled for October 8-10, 2026.

 Karina Martinez (Austin, TX) -- Excited to share that her fashion brand, Lorenza, will show at Austin Fashion Week on May 7^th.

 Nimia Ramos Beauchamp (San Juan, PR) -- Organized a Feria de Servicios Comunitarios and Recruitment activity in April for Consejos Comunitarios de Seguridad en Cancha Baloncesto La Experimental en Río Piedras.

 Doris Selva (Laguna Woods, CA) – Completed Mission work in Brazil with Patria Church and Life Impact International, serving Children on a prevention project in April, providing support and love to vulnerable communities.

 Nadia Siles (Austin, TX) -- Nadia will be graduating from her Masters of Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering from University of Texas- Austin on May 9, 2026. Bravo!

  

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COMADRE AUTHORS

  

Nereida Claudio (Woodstock, GE) -- Spanish Abuela - Bilingual Home Provision - You can Follow her and shop her Bilingual Home Provisions at https://spanish-abuela.square.site/ The website will celebrate the wisdom and sass of our culture as handed down through dichos & refranes. Check her out and follow SpanishAbuela_ online today on Instagram and Facebook.

 Araceli Esparza (Madison, WI) – She self-published her memoir, Healing through racial discrimination. ¿Ahora Que? Now What?  Learn more about her book at https://www.araceliesparza.com/workbook. This is a free workbook on her website.

 Ana Parra-Vivas (Houston, TX) -- Is truly excited to share that her recent book, The Graceful Healing Workbook & Journal, received a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite.  The reviewer shared: “The Graceful Healing Workbook and Journal could not have come at a better time, when so many people are desperate for a steadier direction in their lives.”  This meant a lot to Ana because: “this book was created for exactly that purpose—to offer a calm, guided space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.”  The book is a 12-week journey with short lessons, thoughtful questions, affirmations, and plenty of space to write—designed to help you slow down, gain clarity, and begin again with intention. Visit her at https://www.anaparravivas.com/graceful-healing-workbook.

 Mireya Perez-Bustillo (Brooklyn, NY) – She was the Featured Reader at Artemis Poets Collective at One on One, in New York City in April.  Also, published prose piece "Tendra Sus Razones" in Voices 2025, online journal of LP2Program of CUNY GCenter and reading and video of this piece In "Voices of Voices" 03/20/2026.  Mireya also has a poem in the latest Comadres Connect Newsletter, All New.

 Lara Rios (Highland, CA) – Her new romance, BUILT TO WIN, was published in March by Wise Writer Publishing.  Read more about her books at www.lara-rios.com.

  

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Congratulations to all and Thank You for your service!

 

 

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments. We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

  

ACCOMPLISHMENTS  

 Raesha Cartagena (New York, NY) – was presented with a Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award by the Comité Noviembre on March 26, as President of the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA), Cultural Advocate and Puerto Rican Arts Community Leader.

 Dalilah Garcia (Brownsville, TX) -- On February 25, 2026, Dalilah had the distinct honor of making history as the first Spanish-language Virtual Networking Leader for FemCity. For 16 years, this international membership-based organization has exclusively operated in English. As President of FemCity Brownsville and a proud community founder, she led the organization’s first-ever virtual networking session conducted entirely in Spanish.  This milestone expanded accessibility and inclusivity while advancing FemCity’s mission to support and empower ambitious women in business through authentic connections, collaboration over competition, and the cultivation of meaningful professional and personal growth worldwide.

Karina Martinez (Pflugerville, TX) -- Her high-fashion clothing website is live! www.thelorenza.com.

 Elsa Prado (Oak Lawn, IL) -- Will be receiving an award for Women’s Day from International Radio and LULAC.

 Milly Silencio (Carteret, NJ) – On March 7, Milly was a Co-Presenter with Samuel Ocasio Jr. at Princeton Theological Seminary on “Technological Collective Connection through Memes: Religious Identity, Play, and Imagination of Latinos.”  Last November, she was Co-Presenter with Comadre Lizanne Espina at American Association of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature on the “Church’s Call of Solidarity with Migrant Women contending Injustices of The U.S. Immigration System.”  

 

Congratulations to all!

 

 

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS FOR FEBRUARY

 

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News. 

We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

 

Aliana Apodaca (El Paso, TX) – was named a Women of El Paso and inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame by the El Paso Commission for Women.

Maritere Bellas (Los Angeles, CA) -- will be presenting at the Mom 2.0 Summit in Austin, April 16-18, 2026. The all-Latina panel will be addressing Culture Driven Growth-How Storytelling Fuels Competitive Advantage.

Marcela Evans (Plano, Texas) -- started as Managing Attorney with Texas Immigration Law Council on January 20, 2026. 

Glenda Galvan Garcia (Garden Grove, CA) – was honored by the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast as a "Woman of Greatness Honoree" for her volunteer efforts over 10+ years. Glenda’s cooking classes and private chef dinners have supported life-changing programs and mentorship.

Lila Guzman (Round Rock, TX) -- is proud of her Community Service.  She is a Spanish translator for the Manna House, First Baptist Church Round Rock Texas on Wednesday afternoons.  And, every year, Lila serves as a judge for the International Latino Book Award.

Celeste Leon (Truckee, CA) -- obtained her Level 3 Wine Award from WSET--Wine and Spirit Education Trust, the industry leader and largest regulatory body for wine and spirits in the world, after almost three years of study in the Wine Program at Cabrillo College (Aptos CA).

Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang (Los Angeles, CA) – premiered her second one-woman show, Home[sic]. It's about her relationship with Guatemala and her grandmother & family there. If my elders were my country, what does it mean now that they're gone? https://elizabethliang.com/home-sic.  Lisa was trained as a Witness for Justice (immigration court observer) with Acacia Center for Justice.

Alicia Luna (Nevada, TX) -- is proud of her Community Service.  She is a volunteer in the food pantry at Rockwall Helping Hands and help raised money for children with cancer. Alicia is a breast cancer survivor, going on her second year.

Nimia Ramos Beauchamp (San Juan, PR) – is a Volunteer Community Yoga Instructor at Cancha Baja Techo La Experimental Río Piedras, PR.

Susana Sandoval (Chicago, IL) --  is currently working on her 4th documentary. More info to follow regarding release/screening.  She is proud to report that she is serving her 8th year as human rights commissioner, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.  Susana trained as a Witness for Justice (immigration court observer) with Acacia Center for Justice.

 

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COMADRE AUTHORS

 

Lila Guzman (Round Rock, TX) – is proud to report that her young adult time travel novel, Snatchers, is a runner-up on Reedsy's 2025 Novel Sprint.  Lila wrote Snatchers last November during the Novel Sprint.

Alicia Luna (Nevada, TX) -- Published her first children's book, What Does Mateo Want to Play?, in September 2025. It’s a middle grade children’s book.

Antonia Murguia (San Antonio, TX) – Published a poetry book, Antonia’s Poetic Heart, last year.

 

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Congratulations to all and Thank You for your service!

 

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS

  

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News.  This is a wonderful way to start the New Year with Comadres Leading the Way!

NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

 

Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin (Los Angeles, CA) – was appointed Pasadena Library Commissioner by Mayor Victor Gordo.  Vibiana is also a friend and volunteer at the Pasadena Public Library, where she is a bilingual children’s storyteller and puppeteer. She is on the board of the 50^th Chicano Moratorium Scholarship Committee, which raised money for eight scholarships for graduating students of East Los Angeles College. And, Vibiana has built several altars for deceased community members including the 30 who died in the Altadena Fires.

 

Andrea Arroyo (New York, NY) -- Participated in the Guadalajara International Book Fair conferences, engaging in meaningful conversations about art, freedom of expression, and the vital role of women artists.

 

Elsa Prado (Oak Lawn, IL) – was recognized by Cook County as an Influential Woman.  Elsa is a certified Spanish interpreter and translator with 20+ years of experience serving Cook County and healthcare settings. She is also an active volunteer with organizations addressing domestic violence, child welfare and social justice.  Watch the recognition video here.

 

Nancy Salazar (Washington DC) -- Passed her certification program and is now a certified Paralegal!

 

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COMADRE AUTHORS

 

Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang (Los Angeles, CA) – produced an award-winning film entitled, ALIEN CITIZEN: AN EARTH ODYSSEY.  It’s an oldie, but goodie and very relevant today.  Learn more at https://aliencitizensoloshow.com/

 

Carmen Peña (Nutley, NJ) – Her book, Latina Rise: Step Into Your Divine Destiny with Faith, Love, & Purpose, is about faith-centered leadership and personal growth.  The book is also available in Spanish, Latina Rise: De El Paso Hacia Tu Destino Divino Con Fe, Amor, Y Proposito.  Both books available on amazon.  Learn more at www.latinarise.org.

 

Mireya Perez-Bustillo (Brooklyn, NY) – was a featured poet at the Calypso Muse Reading Series on January 8 at Gladys Books & Wine in Brooklyn, NY.

 

Nimia Ramos Beauchamp (San Juan, PR) – published a crossword puzzle book entitled, MUCH ABOUT YOGA X-WORD PUZZLE: AN ANCESTRAL HEALING SCIENCE.  Book is available on www.lulu.com/shop/.  Learn more about Nimia at www.APYArte.com.

                                   

 

   

Congratulations to all !

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