A couple of years ago, I received an email from this Latina woman I didn’t know asking me if I wanted to be a guest in her podcast, Hispana Realizada. Her name? Marcela Arenas. The email then proceeded to tell me about her platform, Hispana Realizada, a community of Latinas, united by her for a common goal: to connect and to inspire. To elevate and motivate. To provide tools and resources to help any Latina living in the United States to reach their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, advance in their careers, learn, and grow.
Of course, I agreed to do the interview and since then, Marcela and I have stayed connected. Being mothers to young adults that we raised in this country with two languages and two cultures and practically no resources, also cemented our friendship.
Marcela’s tips for preserving the culture at home:
- Hold on to your heritage customs and traditions, and share them with your children.
- Embrace the American culture – it is where we live. (or the majority culture if it is not the US)
- If it is possible, keep speaking Spanish at home. The long-term benefits for the children are endless!
- Ask for help! There is no shame in that!
Marcela is the author of two books which she named after her podcast, Inspiración Hispana (Hispanic Inspiration). The first book includes a collection of 45 interviews with Latina immigrant women for the podcast between 2018 and 2019. The second edition of the book was released last year, yes, in the middle of a pandemic, and it includes 30 more interviews with Hispanic women determined, committed, and proud of their culture. These Latinas share their inspiring stories of how they made things happen professionally and personally in the United States. I am humbled and grateful to be one of the stories in the second book.
I invite you to watch our IGTV!
And if you have a neighbor or a friend that speaks Spanish and could use some encouragement and empowering tools, share it with them!
For details about Marcela’s community, visit her website www.hispanarealizada.com or her Instagram @HispanaRealizada.
Gracias, Marcela!
