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If you’re looking for your next page-turner, checking out new releases is always a good option. These fresh releases from Latina authors will pull you in and give you the kind of satisfying reading experience you’re on the hunt for. Whether you’re looking for a good fiction book or want to dive deep into real-life issues to broaden your knowledge, these 5 must-read releases will deliver.
“Solis” by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher
Image Credit: Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher.
This is the only book on the list that isn’t out yet, but you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on it. “Solis” by Colombian Paola Mendoza, writer, award-winning film director, activist, and co-founder of the Women’s March, and Abby Sher, writer and performer, is a dystopian young adult sci-fi novel that explores the sacrifices of standing up and fighting for freedom.
Set in a near-future America where undocumented immigrants are trapped in labor camps, forced to dig for a mineral that could change the world, and experimented on, our heroine, Rania, is ready to start a revolution. This Lebanese teenager and 3 brave fellow prisoners are set to fight against the corrupt, xenophobic government keeping its boot on their necks. Will they succeed, or is it too late for change? “Solis” feels more current than ever and it provides important, empowering social commentary wrapped in an action-packed story that will keep you turning the pages.
“Solis” will be out on October 8, 2024. Pre-order it here.“Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America” by Paola Ramos
Image Credit: Paola Ramos.
Paola Ramos, of Cuban and Mexican descent, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a political force to be reckoned with. As a contributor for Telemundo News and MSNBC, and a former correspondent for Vice News, Ramos knows her stuff. She’s worked on campaigns for both President Obama and Hillary Clinton and is also the author of “Finding Latin-X,” making her one of the most important voices in contemporary Latino issues.
In her latest nonfiction book, “Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America,” Ramos dives into the rise of far-right sentiment among Latinos and provides insightful political analysis. This book also explores Latino identity and how it intersects with politics today, making it an essential read to understand how race and identity shape American politics—and how Latinos, one of the most misunderstood electorates, could help reshape the future.
“Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” by Daisy Auger-Domínguez
Image Credit: Daisy Auger-Domínguez.
Feeling burnt out from work is something most people are very familiar with. Especially if they’re in leadership positions, where so much is riding on their shoulders. If you can relate to that, “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People,” by Daisy Auger-Domínguez can help rekindle your leadership fire and find joy in your work again. Whether you’re managing a small team or an entire organization, this book offers practical tools to overcome burnout and inspire your employees.
Using her own personal stories, research, and actionable strategies, Dominican-Puerto Rican Aguer-Domínguez offers an invaluable guide to lead with passion, even when you feel like you’re being tested on all fronts. As a global leader and expert on the future of work, inclusion, and leadership burnout, Auger-Domínguez is one of the most qualified Latinas to offer this guidance. With experience at global giants like Google, Disney, and Vice Media, she knows how to create thriving work cultures, and isn’t gatekeeping her secrets.
“Thank You, Gracias” by Susie Jaramillos
Image Credit: Susie Jaramillo.
If you’re sharing your love of reading with little ones, whether that’s your own children, younger siblings, nieces and nephews, etc., “Thank You, Gracias,” is a lovely book to introduce them to. Venezuelan-American Susie Jaramillo is an Emmy-nominated creator and you might already know her as the creator of the successful bilingual preschool brand, Canticos. Her award-winning work has helped millions of kids around the world embrace bilingual education through songs, books, and apps, and she’s known for her creativity, which expands from storytelling to entrepreneurship.
Jaramillo’s “Thank You, Gracias” is a lift-the-flap board book full of playful rhymes in English and Spanish, and cheerful illustrations. It’s a charming read that will help children learn about giving thanks while having fun and interacting with a beautiful book. It’s an essential one if you’re raising bilingual kids or want to introduce children to a new language in a way that makes it truly interesting and engaging for them.
“The Daggers of Ire” by J.C. Cervantes
Image Credit: J.C. Cervantes.
In “The Daggers of Ire,” Esmerelda Santos, a rare bruja with Chaos magic, faces the biggest challenge of her life. After a mysterious curse wipes out all the magic in her town, Esme and her best friend Tiago must go on a dangerous journey to save their families. With a witch hunter hot on their trail, they race against time to unlock the secrets of an ancient legend. This middle-grade Latine fantasy is full of magic, humor, and heart, exploring courage and sisterhood in a heartwarming adventure.
J.C. Cervantes, of Mexican and Anglo descent, is a New York Times bestselling author known for blending Latino culture with fantasy elements to create vibrant worlds for children, young adults, and adults. She’s known for her “Storm Runner” series, which is a worldwide success, and her books have earned her multiple awards, including the New Mexico Book Award. She’s all about finding magic in everyday life, and this latest book from her offers exactly that.
With these recent releases, Latina authors are bringing powerful, diverse, and educational stories to the forefront. Whether you’re in the mood for fiction or nonfiction, these books should have a spot on your to-be-read list. Happy reading!
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Have you ever met someone who seems overly confident, self-centered, or even downright rude? Maybe they constantly talk about themselves, disregard your feelings, or even manipulate situations to their advantage. And, if you're anything like us and countless other Latinas, you might've thought, is this person just a purebred a**hole, or are they a narcissist?
Here's the thing, there's a big difference between the two and it’s important to be able to distinguish between rude and even selfish behavior and narcissistic abuse. We can get over rudeness, but narcissistic abuse can cause long-term harm that can be difficult to recover from and leave us forever changed.
What is Emotional Manipulation in Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Emotional manipulation is the narcissist’s primary weapon. We've all met the occasional jerk - someone who might be blunt, insensitive, or even obnoxious. They might not care much about your feelings or needs at the moment, but that doesn't necessarily make them narcissists. A jerk can have a bad day, be unaware of their behavior, or simply lack some social graces.
A narcissist, on the other hand, is someone who meets at least five of the nine criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
The DSM-5 states that in order to be clinically diagnosed with NPD, a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and that present in a variety of contexts, must be shown by at least five of the following:
- Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g. - exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Believes that he, she, or they are “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
- Requires excessive admiration
- Has a sense of entitlement (i.e. - unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations)
- Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e. - takes advantage of others to achieve their own ends)
- Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
- Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
- Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
It’s important to understand that this is a deeper issue than just occasional bad behavior. It's a consistent pattern of self-serving behavior with no regard for the harm they are causing others.
Imagine the classic telenovela villain – always plotting, scheming, and manipulating. But in real life, emotional manipulation isn't always that obvious. A narcissist can play the victim, guilt-trip you, gaslight, or make you doubt your own feelings and perceptions.
They know how to pull the strings, often making you feel like you're the one who is always to blame for their bad behavior. They are notorious for manipulating you with surgical precision, and no matter how many receipts you present, they will never take accountability for any of their behavior.
This is worth noting because the narcissist will make you feel like you’re losing your mind and that perhaps it actually is you who is the problem - it’s not you.
Remember this sage advice: "No todo lo que brilla es oro.” Just because someone comes across as charming doesn't always mean they have good intentions. Their charm is just another emotional manipulation tool in their narcissist toolbox. It’s disarming and very effective.
Emotional Manipulation and Latino Culture
In Latino culture, where family and relationships are deeply valued, there’s a unique vulnerability to emotional manipulation. Concepts like 'familia' and 'respeto' might sometimes make it harder to set boundaries or recognize manipulation, as it’s common for us to put others before ourselves.
- Machismo & Marianismo: Traditional gender roles can play into these dynamics. While 'machismo' demands dominance from men, 'marianismo' dictates that Latina women be submissive and sacrificial. A narcissist might exploit these norms to manipulate or control their partners.
- La Familia Above All: In many Latino families, there's an emphasis on maintaining family unity, even at personal costs. A narcissist might manipulate this sentiment, making it challenging for Latina women to distinguish between genuine concern and emotional control.
- Religion and Spirituality: Deep-rooted spiritual beliefs might be used against someone. A narcissistic partner may misuse religious teachings, portraying their manipulative actions as 'for the greater good' or for 'family's sake.'
The cultural focus on communal connections can sometimes mask or justify narcissistic behaviors. But it's essential to recognize that standing up for ourselves doesn't mean we're betraying our values. Saying, “I refuse to put up with this,” is the most self-respecting and self-loving thing to do, despite how incredibly difficult it feels.
Recognizing Emotional Manipulation
Emotional manipulation by a narcissist can be subtle, which is why it’s so dangerous. Oftentimes, you don’t even recognize that it’s happening. Some signs include:
- Gaslighting: Making you question your reality or memories. This can be particularly impactful for Latina women who already juggle between cultural worlds.
- Playing the Victim: They might twist stories so that they’re always the victim, pushing you into a caregiver or fixer role, which many Latinas might feel culturally compelled to adopt.
- Using Love as a Weapon: They might offer affection conditionally or withhold it to get what they want, manipulating the value of deep passion and love.
There’s a myriad of other emotional manipulation tactics they might use; all of which you can check out in detail here.
Protecting Yourself and Healing from a Narcissist
When it comes to safeguarding yourself, the journey kicks off with one pivotal aspect: awareness. It's all about recognizing that the norms we hold dear in our cultures can sometimes be twisted and misused. This realization forms the bedrock, but what follows are some down-to-earth tips that can really make a difference:
First up, education. Delving into what makes up Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) equips you to spot its signs early on. It's like having a secret weapon of insight.
Next, seeking support. Friends, family, or even groups of women who've walked similar paths, can be a beacon of light, helping you sort through your doubts and questions.
Then there's therapy, a space to navigate the labyrinth of emotions. A therapist, especially one who understands the nuances of our Latino background, can offer invaluable guidance in recovering from a narcissistic abuser. Many therapists agree that recovering from a relationship with a narcissist is one of the hardest types of relationships to recover from because the pain and confusion feel overwhelming. As noted, the behavior is hard to identify, and victims tend to blame themselves and continue to suffer long after the relationship is over.
Last but definitely not least, setting those boundaries. Setting boundaries isn’t just encouraged, it's important. Despite the weight of cultural expectations, standing up for your own well-being and drawing a line in the sand is a literal line of protection against further abuse.
Social media post shared by myexisanarcissistandimadeitout on Instagram
Social media post shared by myexisanarcissistandimadeitout on Instagram
Armed with these tools you have the power to avoid narcissistic abuse, or you may realize that you’re a victim of abuse and cutting off or minimizing your exposure is the only way out. As always, remember you're strong, capable, and worth more than what the narcissist has expertly made you believe.
The road to recovery can feel long, but eventually, you get to the other side and a newer, healthier you is awaiting your arrival.
Nathalie Molina Niño has never been one to shy away from breaking barriers, and now, she’s focusing her attention on a new mission: demystifying corporate boardrooms for women, especially Latinas. Molina Niño is the President of Known, an asset management and financial services firm, a veteran tech entrepreneur and builder capitalist, and a board member at the iconic lingerie Brand, Hanky Panky, and others.
Like many corporate boards, Hanky Panky hadn’t publicly disclosed its board composition until recently. After the brand survived the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Molina Niño decided it was time for more women, specifically more Latinas, to know what it means to be on corporate boards.
Coincidentally, the decision to finally be more vocal about this topic aligned with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which served as the perfect kick-off to the work.
"Something that rarely gets talked about and I think almost gets kept opaque by design is boards,” she explains in a recent Instagram announcement. “[This Latinx Heritage Month], that’s what I’ll be talking about.” Her goal? To equip more Latinas with the knowledge they need to navigate onto for-profit boards, where they can thrive and build multi-generational wealth.
For-profit corporate boards often feel like an exclusive club. And in many ways, they are, especially for Latinas, who hold the smallest percentage of board seats in Fortune 500 companies compared to other racial groups. According to the latest report from Latino Board Monitor, while Latinos hold 4.1% of these board seats (compared to 82.5% held by white people), only 1% go to Latinas. Molina Niño, a first-generation American of Ecuadorian and Colombian descent, is part of this boardroom minority.
When asked about her experience as a Latina board member during a recent Zoom interview, she said, “It’s been lonely. There’s not a lot of Latinas on boards.” She went on to explain that even serving on boards of Latina-founded businesses gets lonely because, “A lot of the times, people who serve on their boards represent their investors and, as a result, [...] you still don’t see a lot of Latinas on those boards.”
This lack of representation drives Molina Niño’s determination to increase Latina presence in corporate boardrooms. By sharing her insights, she hopes to give Latinas a roadmap to claim their seats at the table. “If you don’t know where to go, it’s impossible to figure out how to get there,” she says.
The Road to the Boardroom
Getting onto a for-profit corporate board isn’t an overnight achievement, but it’s not an unattainable dream either. People often think you need to be a CEO or have a certain type of background, but that’s one of the biggest myths about boards in Molina Niño’s experience. What they’re really looking for is expertise — whether that’s in finance, marketing, sustainability, or even technology. If you have that expertise, you’re already an asset. It’s simply a matter of which road you should take.
Understanding what boards are and how they operate is key to unlocking opportunities. For-profit boards serve as the governing body for companies, overseeing direction and financial stability, and guiding CEOs and executives in decision-making. But Molina Niño emphasizes that not all for-profit boards are created equal.
“There are two kinds [of for-profit boards] [...]. There’s the publicly traded business board and then, on the privately held side, there are, I would argue, two types of boards [...] the traditional business board and the venture-backed business board,” explains Molina Niño. Traditional businesses are often family-owned or long-established and may only form boards to meet requirements, like securing financing or transitioning through an ESOP. Venture-backed boards, on the other hand, are typically filled by investors who hold major stakes in the company.
According to Molina Niño, understanding the difference between them is how you can create a successful strategy. With publicly traded business boards, the whole world is privy to them, so, “The way that you get in there is a little bit more transparent. Sometimes those publicly traded companies will hire a recruiter to help them find new board members,” explains Molina Niño. For private companies, on the other hand, there’s no legal requirement to make announcements. As a result, most people don’t know anything about them or their inner workings.
“Usually what happens in traditional businesses that don’t have venture-capital investments is that the Founders, Executives, or the board members, if one existed already, they usually go to their friends,” and people they deem experienced to fill board seats. In other words, it’s the founder’s decision, and that’s an entirely different approach than hiring recruiters. When it comes to venture-backed business boards, the seats on the board are filled by whichever investor writes the biggest check.
This is why an understanding of the different types of boards and acknowledgment of their own strengths is what will help Latinas define a sound strategy. Whether that’s working with a recruiter, networking and connecting with founders to build trust, or making the biggest investment.
The Path for Latinas
For Molina Niño, the key to getting more Latinas into corporate boardrooms is education. Knowing what a board looks like and how it functions is how you can position yourself to get on it. In openly talking about this, without the mystique it’s usually shrouded in, Molina Niño is providing women, especially Latinas, with invaluable insights. “If we had Latinas understanding what are the three types of for-profit boards I think that, on their own, they would be able to figure out what their best chance is and adjust their careers to make themselves more competitive,” states Molina Niño.
When asked about the impact of increased Latina representation in boardrooms, Molina Niño flips the narrative. “Boards don’t help Latinas by offering them seats; Latinas help businesses thrive by being on their boards,” she says. “The whole point of sitting on a board is that you have experience and expertise, and as Latinas, you also have some cultural experience that everyone wants. [...] At the end of the day, we [Latinas] have to realize that we have a ton to offer and we have to be selective about where we put that expertise,” she explains.
As demand for access to the Latina consumer rises, Molina Niño predicts that more Latinas will find themselves recruited into boardrooms. But she’s not content to sit back and wait for that moment. By openly sharing her journey and insights, she’s making sure other Latinas know their worth and have the tools to claim their place at the table. “I realized that quietly being on boards that helped me personally is not helping other Latinas. [...] I was lucky enough to have friends who could advise me and share their experiences, so that’s why I’m doing this,” she stated.
With Hispanic Heritage Month as the backdrop, Nathalie Molina Niño’s mission is clear: “My goal is just to give Latinas enough information so they can make a plan for how to eventually get on a board that they’re paid to be on and that will eventually help them build generational wealth.”
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