Celebrating Women’s History Month
As March begins, we are reminded that it is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society. This year, Para KIDS! is proud to focus on women's entrepreneurship, particularly in the publishing industry.
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One such Latina author and entrepreneur is Daniela Palacios, the founder of Para KIDS!. Her English and Spanish bilingual children's books create a bridge between cultures and languages to empower children to become and/or remain bilingual. As well as to explore cultures beyond their own. In her books, Daniela emphasizes values such as family, love, and community, which are central to many Latino communities and cultures. Bilingual children’s books are a valuable resource for children and parents who are navigating the complexities of language learning.They not only provide children with invaluable learning tools but also celebrates and uplifts all voices.
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The publishing industry has historically been dominated by men, and despite the growing number of Latina authors, illustrators, and publishers, there is still a disproportionate representation of Latina women in the industry. According to the Lee & Low Diversity Baseline Survey, there appears to be an actual decrease (-1.4 percent) in people who self-identify as Hispanic/Latino/Mexican, at 4.6 percent in the publishing industry in 2023. Even more alarming, the percentage of self-identified Hispanic/Latino/Mexican publishers has been decreasing since 2019. Therefore, Latina representation in literature and media is especially important.
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Daniela's work is a shining example of the resilience and power of women entrepreneurs in the publishing industry. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us remember the importance of supporting and uplifting women entrepreneurs, especially those who are working to bridge cultural divides and create a more inclusive society. Sharing their work with friends and family, as well as directly supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors are some ways to do so.
The businesses that we invest in now will shape the future of our society, so let’s invest in bilingual education and empower Latina entrepreneurs.