Overview
The Book of Awesome Latinas is an inspiring collection of stories that highlights the achievements of over 50 extraordinary Latinas and Latine femmes from around the globe. From trailblazing scientists to revolutionary activists, each person featured in this book has broken barriers, defied expectations, and made a lasting impact within their communities and industries. 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.
This book is a celebration of Latina and Latine femme excellence across a wide range of fields, including but not limited to medicine, literature, politics, civil rights, space exploration, and the arts. Among the incredible women featured are:
- Evangelina Rodríguez – The first female doctor in the Dominican Republic. She was an Afro-Dominican who overcame immense obstacles to provide healthcare to underserved communities.
- 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.
- Eulalia Guzmán – Mexico's first female archaeologist, whose work contributed significantly to the preservation and understanding of Mesoamerican cultures.
- Joan Baez – A Mexican-American singer and civil rights activist whose voice became a symbol of peace and social justice.
- Sylvia Rivera – A pioneering LGBTQIA+ activist of mixed Venezuelan and Puerto Rican heritage, credited with advancing trans rights within the broader queer movement.
- Ana Mendieta – A Cuban-American artist and activist known for her powerful performances and sculptures that explored themes of exile, identity, and belonging.
- Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz – A philosopher, poet, and advocate for gender equality in New Spain (modern-day Mexico) during the Baroque period (1600-1750).
- Virginia Brindis de Salas – The first Black woman in Latin America to publish a book and a poet who used her voice to fight against racial injustice in Uruguay.
- Katya Echazarreta – A STEM trailblazer who became the first Mexican woman to travel to space.
- Dolores Huerta – A civil rights activist and labor leader, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union and championed workers' rights.
- Sonia Sotomayor – The first Hispanic and Latina member of the U.S. Supreme Court who continues to influence the nation with her legal wisdom and commitment to justice.
- Ellen Ochoa – A NASA astronaut who became the first Latina in space and later served as the first Hispanic director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
- Antonia Novello – The first woman and Latina to serve as Surgeon General of the United States and a groundbreaking figure in public health.
- Rita Moreno – A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who is the only Latina to have won an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award) solidifying her legacy in the entertainment industry.
This book title, The Book of Awesome Latinas (Inspiring Stories and Bios of Hispanic and Latin Women Throughout History), ISBN: 9781684817955, by Mirtle Peña-Calderón, Ashley Ojeda, published by Mango Media (September 9, 2025) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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