Hola, I am Maritere. It makes me so happy that you are here. I’m going to venture to say that the reason for your visit has something to do with your interest in languages and cultures? If so, you are in the right place!
Who am I?
An international award-winning bilingual, bicultural Latina author, parenting topic expert, speaker, podcast host, FBLive co-host and digital influencer who enjoys writing and is passionate about family, languages, and cultures.
My children are my everything! A boy and a girl. Raised with two languages and three cultures: Hispanic, Greek and American. They have traveled extensively since they were very young and now, at 30 and 27, I’m convinced that this upbringing has contributed to the young adults they are today: embracing diversity with a deep appreciation of others.
I value education and believe that being informed and having knowledge can make a difference. My studies have allowed me to travel to many countries, and to this day I’m grateful to my parents for all the opportunities they provided. It is because of them that I speak three languages and understand and appreciate other cultures. I also value hard work and giving back. I grew up with a giving dad who was always there for people and for causes that needed attention.
Spirituality is also very important to me. I get that from my mom. I love that she and I pray together every time I visit.
Puerto Rico
I have fond memories of my childhood and upbringing in Puerto Rico. Frankly, when I traveled to California for school, it was not my intention to stay. I wanted to grow old close to my family, but life intervened or shall I say fate? I met my husband in Los Angeles and we made Southern California home. We will be celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary this year. Life out west hasn’t always been peaches and cream, is it ever? But I have learned many lessons and when I have failed, I still got back up! Having a supportive family has helped.
Writing journey
Although I always knew I wanted to write, it wasn’t until I became a mom that I really pursued it. At the time, there was no information for Latino immigrant parents who were raising bilingual and bicultural children in Los Angeles. Really, not that much around the country either. It was the early 90s and the internet wasn’t that popular yet. Resources were not readily available. I became the voice for Latino parents that were grappling with the challenges and rewards of raising children with the new culture they had adopted while still preserved their native culture. My parenting column ran in La Opinión newspaper for twelve years, and to this day, I visit Spanish language media regularly imparting my parenting knowledge, including television and radio. Today, you can also find my work in many online publications including my own blog. Quite often, you can find me at conferences and/or book festivals. In addition to writing about parenting issues, I enjoy featuring Latinas who are making a difference in their communities, and around the globe.
Interests
Exercising and staying healthy has always been my mantra. I play tennis, and I am an avid fan of the game. I’ve also been a gym brat since my twenties. I love to cook and planning home parties with family and friends. I am partial to sunsets anywhere in the world, a good book, champagne, preferably French, enjoy a good crisp chardonnay from California, love girls-nite out with my girlfriends, and weekly date nite with my husband.
I hope you like what you see here but if you don’t, please let me know!
You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks again for stopping by. Please stay connected!
Bai Bai,
Maritere
