2025 International Latino Book Awards (ILBA) Winner

The ILBA awards were an extraordinary experience. I am honored that my book, “The Fight for Equity in the Bronx: Changing Lives and Transforming Communities One Scholar at a Time” has received an award in three distinct categories earning two Silver medals for the Most Inspirational Non-Fiction Book, and Best Self Transformation Book and a Bronze medal for the Ambassador Julian Nava Best Ethnic Studies Book. When my memoir was released 16 months ago in 2024, and became an Amazon Best Seller within the first two weeks of its release by Forbes/Advantage Media, I never imagined that my story would receive this level of recognition and visibility. I simply wanted to tell my story.

As an educator and Bronx Native, I am truly grateful to the ILBA for this amazing recognition of my literary work. The Fight for Equity in the Bronx is an inspirational memoir of my childhood growing up in the South Bronx facing poverty, racism and trauma to later becoming a teacher in the same community. This story is written on behalf of all black and brown first-generation Latino children of immigrants who have who have struggled to achieve equity and pursue their dreams with determination and a vision for a brighter future.