By: Luis Carlos Flores Aguilar
Jacqueline (Jackie) Ruiz recalls how, from an early age in Mexico, her mother fostered a passion for reading. Little did her mamá know that, with such energy, natural curiosity and a heart that could change the world, Jackie would go on to create a book series that would inspire and empower thousands of people. “She never imagined I was going to be a tornado even more than my brothers,” Jackie jokes.
Jackie and her family moved to the United States when she was 14 years old, where she had to overcome language and cultural barriers to find her place in society as a young Latina immigrant. Fast forward to today and that girl is now an accomplished entrepreneur, author, international speaker, philanthropist, and one of the few sports airplane pilots in the US. Oh, and she is also getting ready to launch the 10th volume of her award-winning book series Today’s Inspired Latina.
As an author, Jackie published her first book in 2010 with the goal of leaving a legacy to her two children after surviving two episodes of cancer. “I wanted to gather and preserve a collection of inspiring stories. I wanted these stories to live forever and be there to uplift and guide my children and the children of others,”Jackie describes. Drawing on her love for her family, Jackie created an opportunity to build bridges in support of her community. She was approached by many Latinas with stories of their own to share. “Once I started speaking about the idea of creating a collection of inspiring Latina stories, several women approached me looking to contribute with their stories. They faced hefty prices charged by big publishing companies. So I knew I had to create my own publishing firm.”
The initial idea behind Today’s Inspired Latina was to launch just one book. But after the community welcomed the first book with open arms, the word spread across the world and Latinas from all over the globe started to contact Jackie looking to join her project. For Jackie, one of the most rewarding parts of the project has been to see the 238 Latina authors who have contributed to Today’s Inspired Latina come together in sisterhood.
Today’s Inspired Latina has positively influenced many Latinas, their families, and their communities. One author used the experience to find her inner power as a mother of an autistic child, after years of having hidden it from her family. “Writing and publishing her story in Today’s Inspired Latina was like a catharsis and a therapy process for her,” Jackie tells. “She went on to create and run a non-profit organization to help other mothers of autistic children.”
Today’s Inspired Latina has now been recognized and honoured in 25 countries. Jackie and her contributing authors have gone on international speaking tours in North America and Europe and have been featured three times in the New York Times. “I did not expect this to be a success, let alone an international success,” says Jackie. “The magic and power of these books is unbelievable.”
Looking to bring women together to support and empower each other, Jackie leaves her audience with this wish: “I hope these books become a pathway and a source of inspiration for future generations of young girls. If I could do it, you can as well.”
Learn more about Today’s Inspired Latina