Empowering Latina Voices: A Conversation with Esmeralda Aharon on Calladitas Rising
In this special episode of Autentico Podcast, we kick off a series dedicated to the powerful voices behind the Calladitas Rising anthology. We begin with an insightful conversation with Esmeralda Aharon, co-founder of Latinas Rising and a driving force behind this groundbreaking project.
Esmeralda shares her journey of bringing Calladitas Rising to life—both as a compiler and an author. She delves into the inspiration behind the anthology, her personal experiences that shaped her vision, and the challenges she faced along the way. Through this discussion, you will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to amplify Latina voices, create space for authentic storytelling, and empower women to rise.
Whether you're passionate about storytelling, interested in Latina empowerment, or just looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the resilience, creativity, and leadership that are at the heart of Calladitas Rising.
Episode Highlights:
- The journey of creating Calladitas Rising
- Esmeralda's lived experiences and their impact on the anthology
- Challenges and triumphs in compiling the anthology
- What Esmeralda is most proud of in this project
Esmeralda Aharon, M.A., embodies resilience and tenacity. Born near the US-Mexico border as a first-generation American, she overcame poverty by working as a migrant farmworker in Michigan's fields from age 8 through high school. After marrying and losing a son to sudden infant death syndrome, she channeled her pain into a sense of purpose by joining the United States Air Force. She dedicated 26 years to Religious Affairs, supporting service members and their families in achieving spiritual health. As a combat veteran, she left her husband and children behind and spent over 20 months in the Middle East across four deployments. Nearly losing her life during her last pregnancy due to placenta percreta and receiving 14 units of blood, she chose to save her baby instead of herself. In gratitude to God for granting both of their lives, she has dedicated her life to serving others. Following her retirement from the Air Force and becoming a widow during the pandemic, she transitioned into a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practitioner, representing Latinas in higher education and advocating for healthcare equity through her work at Saint Louis University. Most recently, she co-founded Latinas Rising LLC to support women’s personal and professional lives. A social justice advocate, mentor to many, doctoral student, #1 international best-selling author, avid yogini, and photographer with prints in a gallery, Esmeralda’s personal and professional journey demonstrates that with faith and tenacity, anything is possible.
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