Hola, amiga. In this special episode, we move beyond standard self-improvement to witness stories of survival, reclamation, and the profound strength of the Latina experience . We feature three powerful video submissions from listeners—Rosanna, Maritere, and Paola—who demonstrate how leadership is often found in the rebuilding of a life after something tried to break it .
Persistence as a Form of Leadership
Rosanna, a survivor of domestic violence, shares the reality of her seven-year court battle to maintain a relationship with her daughter, Destiny . Her story illustrates that leadership is often the stubborn, daily act of not giving up, redefining strength as the ability to endure sterile courtrooms and supervised visits to keep a family bond alive.
Maritere, the founder of Mija Books, discusses her new book Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English and flips the script on the common Latino experience of being a child translator . She transforms the narrative of translating for family members from a burden or chore into an act of love, linguistic pride, and a unique "superpower" that builds cultural confidence .
Paola, a relationship coach and insurance agent, opens up about her journey from domestic abuse survivor to helping women move from "anxious to secure" . Her segment highlights the necessity of safe spaces within our community and the profound realization that moving forward requires understanding that there is nothing "wrong" with you—only a need for a safe environment to heal .
Mentioned in this Episode
- Mija Books: A company creating diverse children's books.
- Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English: A children's book by Maritere.
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: The song played by Destiny during a supervised visit .
- Post-traumatic Growth: The psychological transformation described in Paola's journey .
"Your voice isn't your weakness — it's your material."