Honoring Our Stories with the International Impact Award

🏅It’s More Than Just a Medal

When I transitioned from the fashion industry to children’s storytelling last summer, I carried a lot of dreams—and a healthy dose of "imposter syndrome." I wondered if my voice would truly resonate in this new space.

On January 5th, 2026, just six months after publishing my first three books, I received an answer that moved me to tears. I am deeply honored to announce that El Camino del Destino: A Migrant Family’s Adventure was named a winner of the International Impact Book Awards™ in the Children’s Motivational & Inspirational category.

🌾A Story of Sacrifice and Survival

This book is a piece of my heart and my history. It follows my Dad and his two primos as they navigated the long, grueling journeys of migrant farm work in the late 1940s and 50s. During that time in the Southern Rio Grande Valley (RGV), opportunities were scarce for Mexican Americans. My father, his cousins and their extended families had to leave their homes to make a living, enduring immense hardship to build a future for the next generation.

🇲🇽The Power of Representation

Since releasing these books, the most moving feedback hasn't come from critics, but from the readers. I have heard from so many of you about how much it means to finally see our families and our history reflected on the page. This honor truly showcases how important representation is. Validation from an international committee is wonderful, but the true reward is knowing that my father's journey—and the journeys of so many RGV families—is being recognized as "Motivational and Inspirational" on a global stage.

♥️ A Milestone for the Journey

The award committee shared words that I will carry with me forever:

"Your voice, perspective, and willingness to share your work contributes meaningfully to the literary world and to the communities touched by your message. This recognition reflects the countless hours, passion, and perseverance you have invested."

Silencing the Doubt

For every time I doubted if I could make the leap from fashion to literature, this moment serves as a reminder that these stories must be told. Knowing that my father's story is touching the lives of children everywhere fills me with an incredible sense of orgullo. This award belongs to him just as well, to my family, and to all of you who see yourselves in these pages.

Gracias de todo corazón for believing in this mission. We are just getting started!