Earlier this year, Xochitl Vasquez turned to jewelry-making when she was struggling to adjust to the “new normal.”
Latina Stem Cell Researcher Creates Uplifting Floral Resin Jewelry During COVID-19
Debut Author Asha Dahya Talks ‘Today’s Wonder Women’ and Reproductive Rights
When she was a teen, Asha Dahya remembers collecting magazine articles about ordinary, everyday women who were doing incredible things like fighting human trafficking, raising awareness about sexual assault, and making a difference in their local communities.
Aastha Maadan Farr Launches Inclusive South Asian ‘Desi Planner’
For many years, Aastha Maadan Farr would often peruse bookstores and spend hours in the planning, stationery and organization aisle back when Borders existed.
Beatriz Garcia on Speaking ‘Your Truth At Work’ and Addressing Injustices
Ever since she was a child, Beatriz Garcia has always felt drawn to helping people. “I was that kid who would sign up to volunteer and help teachers. It was my way to connect with others since I was really shy. I’ve always been interested in understanding people, talking to people, and learning from them,”… Continue reading Beatriz Garcia on Speaking ‘Your Truth At Work’ and Addressing Injustices
Transformational Coach Helps Women Go From Grief to Gratitude and Grace
After losing her first husband to cancer at age 26 and then going through a divorce at age 32, Dr. Erika Austin was devastated.
Nonprofit Provides Mentorship, Leadership Skills to Girls Impacted By Parental Incarceration
“Every scar tells a story,” says Jennifer Jones, founder of Beauty Marks for Girls, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, leadership skills, and a creative outlet for young girls whose mothers have been incarcerated.
21-year-old NY Artist ‘RéCreates,’ Documents Black History Through Mini Portrait Series
Artist Réna King immigrated from Barbados to the United States when she was four years old. Throughout her early childhood and teen years, she always struggled with her identity as a black woman in a country where she felt her roots were not heavily tied to.
Harpist and Dancer Jessica Brizuela on ‘Tuning the Soul’
During a typical music performance, Jessica Brizuela can switch from playing classical Bach-Grandjany Sarabande on the harp to rapping and doing a cover of “Finesse” by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B.
Teen Confidence Coach Michelle Mehta Empowers Youth Through Affirmations and Personal Experience
Michelle Mehta had been working in the corporate world for many years, feeling unfulfilled. She knew there was a missing puzzle piece in her life.
‘Invested Millennial’: Tips from Investing Queen Wendy Gonzalez
As a child, Wendy Gonzalez would always try to save as much money as she could. She quickly grasped the idea and importance of saving money after witnessing her single mother struggle to pay the bills. Wendy came to realize that she would have to save every penny to secure her future and give back to her parents who had sacrificed so much.
Mom Documents 3-year-old Daughter’s Journey with Cerebral Palsy
A few years ago, Kiara Manley found out that her daughter, Naomi, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).
Photo Project Empowers Women and Normalizes Breastfeeding in Asian-American Communities
The Asian Breastfeeding Task Force of Los Angeles, a group of advocates committed to normalizing breastfeeding in Asian American communities, is launching its first photo project in honor of National Breastfeeding Month in August.
‘Infinite Well’: Women-Powered Podcast Shows You How to Tap into Your Intuition and Heal Yourself
On the Infinite Well podcast, Kate and Natalie cover topics like burnout, feeling broken, or “comparisonitis"---feeling less than when we compare ourselves to others.
How a Haircut Strengthened my Bond with my Mom
At 29, I didn’t think I’d still have my mom cut my hair, but then again, I didn’t think I’d be back living in the same childhood home where we used to rewind VHS video or wait for someone to get off the landline so we could use the internet.
Palabras Bookstore: Promoting Cultural Representation and Diversity
With only five books on a shelf in an empty storefront and a heart full of literary and community empowerment dreams, Chawa Magaña launched Palabras Bookstore.
‘One-Eyed and Wonderful’ Barber Rachel Mayta on Self-Love and Breaking Gender Stereotypes
When she first started her career as a barber, several clients didn’t realize Rachel Mayta had a prosthetic eye.
Shannon Ullman runs Miss Marijuana, a lifestyle site that aims to publish content that empowers women to share their experiences with cannabis for health and wellness purposes.
Biking in the SGV with Amy Wong: Through the Lens of an Environmental Justice Advocate
As a child, Amy Wong spent a great deal of time in nature. Many of her earliest childhood memories involved playing in the backyard with her grandmother and watching her plant a variety of Asian plants and fruits like jujubes.
Because of H.E.R.’s Jamilah Bashir on Teaching and Advocating for Children with Disabilities
In the fall of 2017, Jamilah F. Bashir attended a writer’s workshop and brainstormed ideas for a story about her sister, Aasiyah, who has an intellectual disability.
‘White Coats to Black Notes’: The Musical Doc on Breaking Barriers and Finding Yourself
Before becoming The Musical Doc, there was a time when Varshini Muralikrishnan felt like she was living her life on autopilot.
‘Grief Comes in Waves’: A Daughter’s Story of a Mother’s Eternal Love
Andrea Barberio will always be her mother’s daughter. Every day that passes by is a reminder of the strength and resilience of her mom, a woman who made sure everyone lived every day like it were their last.
Women-powered Studio Empowers and Trains Next Generation of Martial Artists
Diandra Thompson and Liza Fernandez started off as childhood friends and then co-owners and Kenpo instructors of FTK Martial Arts Studio in San Francisco, California.
Kids First Project Empowers Youth Experiencing Homelessness Through Innovative Mentorship Programs
When Alisha Zhao started volunteering as a teen at a local family homeless shelter, she learned of an alarming statistic surrounding youth homelessness.
‘Lady & Little’ Captures the Spirit of Kindness and Mountain Life
Becoming a mother to two lovebugs has been the greatest blessing for Milena Enguidanos Gonzalez, owner and founder of boutique apparel shop, Lady & Little.
‘Turning Life Around’: A Survivor’s Story of Redemption and God’s Miracles
Elizabeth Quiroz, 33, never thought her life would turn around after spending much of her teenage and adult years being manipulated and coerced into doing things she didn’t want to do.
‘Mama and Me’ Clothing Line Shares the Joys of Childhood and Motherhood
A boss babe and stay-at-home mama, Stephanie Martinez has always had a passion for matching edgy and chic design outfits with her one-year-old daughter and mini-me, Jade.
‘Bathing Your Senses’ Through Forest Bathing with Jackie Kuang
At her most recent forest therapy guided session in Monrovia Canyon Park, Jackie Kuang led her group on a peaceful, contemplative walk, inviting them to “bathe their senses” in nature and be fully present in the now.
Artist, Teacher Liza Coco Draws Polygonal Portraits of Inspiring Women
Liza Coco can spend up to 15-40 hours hand drawing intricate polygonal portraits of badass, inspiring women like RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and Malala. Every new portrait has its own set of imperfections, but that’s precisely what draws Lisa into the technique.
Love is Sweet Events Wants You to Fall in Love with Yourself
Candace Lam had to learn how to fall in love with herself after experiencing one of the most difficult and career-defining moments of her life nearly 6 years ago. The power of love is what kept her grounded and ready to tackle anything in front of her with grace, sweetness, and passion. In 2012, Candace founded… Continue reading Love is Sweet Events Wants You to Fall in Love with Yourself
Kirtan with Kamini: A Spiritual and Meditative Journey
For musician and teacher Kamini Natarajan, kirtan, or community singing and chanting, has always been a deeply spiritual journey. The melodic sounds from the tabla and harmonium coupled with group chanting, singing, and meditation provide a sense of euphoria and natural high, says Natarajan. “It is a journey that is different for each one of… Continue reading Kirtan with Kamini: A Spiritual and Meditative Journey
A Daughter’s Fight to Destigmatize Mental Health Issues in the South Asian Community
"It took me a long time to process that my mother’s death was a suicide. There is such a stigma about mental health in my culture. At first, I just did not know how to explain it, or even approach it. I felt like I had to hide behind the truth, as I 'should not' talk about it. It made me so angry," said Dimple.
Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen: Latina-Owned Organic Detox Juice Line
“I think we need to feel more free to ask for help or look for resources because a lot of the times Latinas don’t like to ask for help just because it’s our culture that we need to solve everything by ourselves (including myself)."
