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

 

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

  

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 !

#ComadresLeadTheWay

#LasComadres

#Community

#Connection

 

 

LAS COMADRES PARA LAS AMERICAS CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS & BOOK NEWS -- NOVEMBER 2025

 Comadres Lead the Way!

 

 

Join Las Comdares Para Las Americas in celebrating its Comadres Accomplishments and Book News for November 2025.

 

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

 

Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang (Los Angeles, CA) – is opening a new one-woman show about her relationship with her birthplace of Guatemala y su abuela: https://homesic.ludus.com/

 

Tess Tobin (Metuchen, NJ) – Presentó el programa «Bibliotecas interconectadas para el desarrollo sostenible: participación comunitaria y estrategias de divulgación» en la Conferencia Nacional de Reforma 2025 celebrada en Long Beach, California. El programa se centró en su trabajo con bibliotecas de la región andina de Sudamérica.  (Translation: Tess presented a program on Interconnected Libraries based on her work in South America at the National Reforma Conference in California.)

 

 

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COMADRE AUTHORS

 

 

Congratulations to authors Eris Garriga, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa and Theresa Varela (New York, NY) for their participation in the 20^th anniversary of the National Puerto Rican Artisans and Authors Fair sponsored by Comité Noviembre and PRIDA.

  

Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin (Pasadena, CA) – was appointed to the Pasadena Library Commission by Mayor Victor Gordo. She read poetry at the ALOUD Los Angeles Main Library at the Mark Taper Forum Auditorium.  On Dec. 13, she’ll have an Art exhibit about Our Lady of Guadalupe at La Morenita at Ave. 50 Studio. And, her chapbook, As Mexican As a Nopal, won publishing by Four Feathers Press.

Glenda Galvan-Garcia (Garden Grove, CA) – Her bilingual cookbook/ history book, The Whole Enchilada: Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun, was awarded the Bronze medal for Best Cookbook by the International Latino Book Awards! The ceremony took place on October 25. Wonderful to see our dear Nora Comstock in attendance for her namesake Mariposa award.

 

Yolanda Nava (Los Angeles, CA) – was honored with a televised feature by KOAT-TV journalist Nicholas Gallo titled “Leaving a Legacy: Yolanda Nava.  She released the Spanish edition of her memoir, A TRAVES DE LA OSCURIDAD, in November 2025.  A powerful story of spiritual renewal, inner strength and the ability to find meaning in life’s most challenging moments. Yolanda also participated in the Feria International del Libro (FIL) de Guadalajara early this December.

 

Deborah Nevarez (Alhambra, CA) – is a Contributing Author to the online Inlandia Journal Fall 2025, as well as the anthology, Writing from Inlandia 2024 (both published 11/2025).

 

Mireya Perez-Bustillo (Brooklyn, NY) – is a featured reader for Brownstone Anthology 2025 on Dec 6; for the Artemis Poets Collective on Dec 21; and on Jan 1 for the New Year's Day Alternative Reading, Westbeth.

 

  

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Congratulations to all !

 

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

COMADRES LEAD THE WAY !