by Mirtle Peña-Calderón (Author), Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda (Author)
"A necessary and joyful correction to the historical record... More than a celebration of the past, this book fuels hope and power for generations to come." --Katya Echazarreta, Founder of Fundación Espacial and Mexican and American electrical engineer, science communicator, and Citizen Astronaut
The Book of Awesome Latinas is an inspiring collection of profiles that highlights the achievements of over 70 extraordinary Latinas and Latine femmes from the United States and Latin America.
From the foremothers who blazed trails and broke barriers, to today's women warriors across a wide range of fields, including but not limited to medicine, literature, politics, civil rights, space exploration, and the arts. The Book of Awesome Latinas presents 74 portraits of powerful and inspiring role models for chicas poised to become the superwomen of the future.
Each person featured in this book has broken barriers, defied expectations, and made a lasting impact within their communities. Through their courage, resilience, and steadfast determination, they will serve as powerful role models for the next generation, proving that when representation is lacking, we must be brave and bold enough to be the first.
It features pioneers such as Frida Kahlo, who changed the art world forever with her bold biographical portraits; Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican woman to visit the stars; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an outspoken justice warrior and advocate; and America Ferrera, whose powerful monologue on womenhood in Barbie resonated across generations and creeds.
Other incredible women featured are:
June Beer: An Afro-Nicaraguan naïve artist, who gained national and international acclaim for her works depicting African and feminist themes. She was also the first woman poet on Nicaragua's Atlantic coast and wrote in Moskitian Creole, English, and Spanish.
Gabriela Mistral: A Chilean poet and educator, who became the first Latin American author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Rigoberta Menchú An Indigenous Guatemalan woman and human rights activist, who made history as the first Indigenous woman to run for president of Guatemala.
Chiquinha Gonzaga: A Brazilian composer, pianist, and the first woman conductor in Brazil. She was the first pianist of "choro" and author of the first carnival march, "Ó Abre Alas."
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: A philosopher, poet, and advocate for gender equality in New Spain (now modern-day Mexico) during the Baroque period (1600-1750).
Berta Cáceres: A Honduran environmental activist, Indigenous leader, co-founder and coordinator of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras.
Dolores Huerta: A civil rights activist and labour leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union and championed workers' rights.
Nuria Piera: A Dominican journalist specialising in investigative journalism.
Sonia Sotomayor: The first Latina member of the U.S. Supreme Court, who continues to influence the nation with her legal wisdom and commitment to justice.
Argelia Laya: An Afro-Venezuelan schoolteacher, women's rights activist, guerrilla fighter, and politician.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa: A NASA astronaut who became the first Latina in space and later served as the first director of NASA's Johnson Space Centre to be of Hispanic or Latino descent.
Marta Vieira da Silva: Known mononymously as Marta, she is a Brazilian-Swedish professional footballer and regarded by many as the greatest female footballer of all time.
Rita Moreno: A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who is the only Latina to have won a PEGOT (Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award), solidifying her legacy in the entertainment industry.
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Author Biography
Mirtle Peña-Calderón is a seasoned journalist and editor with an extensive background in storytelling and media. As the former editor of People Chica at People en Español, and a journalist for mitú, FIERCE by mitú, HOLA! USA, and other major platforms, Mirtle has built a vast network of connections within the Latino and Latine communities and beyond. Her expertise in crafting compelling narratives coupled with her experience covering cultural and media events makes her an exceptional co-author. Additionally, Mirtle co-founded Latinidad Collective, a platform dedicated to amplifying Latino and Latine voices. Her active presence at press events and her ability to connect with influential figures in the media further enhance her ability to elevate the stories of the trailblazers featured in this book. Together, Ashley and Mirtle combine their talents, networks, and deep cultural knowledge to create a book that is not only inspiring but also vital for the representation of Latinas in literature. Their unique perspectives, extensive media experience, and shared commitment to uplifting Latina voices make them the ideal team to bring The Book of Awesome Latinas to life.
Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda is a multicultural business strategist, speaker, and author with a proven track record of success. Her first book, Jefa in Training, has become a go-to resource for entrepreneurial Latinas, earning rave reviews and substantial sales. As a recognized thought leader, Ashley's work has been featured in prominent outlets including Forbes, Telemundo, and Business Insider, where she has shared her insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of community. Her deep understanding of the unique challenges Latinas and Latine femmes face combined with her commitment to empowering underrepresented voices, positions her as a powerful advocate and storyteller for this book.
Number of Pages: 182
Dimensions: 0.42 x 9 x 6 IN
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
