Have you hesitated following your dream because it may distance you from your family and culture?

Consuelo sits down with acclaimed author, Rudy Ruiz, to explore the immigrant story both in real life and in his magical fiction culled from his own experiences as a Latino raised on the Border in Texas.

Throughout his writing career, Rudy remains shocked that the heros in his books, aren't the ones he intends when he begins a new story. Instead, they are the women, the Latinas who hold the family together, do whatever it takes to get ahead and celebrate the little joys in life to the fullest.

📚 In his latest novel, 'The Border Between Us':

Ramón Lopez, born on the US-Mexico border, embodies the hopes and struggles of many in our community. His journey from a border town to the bustling streets of New York City mirrors the path many of us have walked or dream of walking depending on how we manage cultural expectations and family ties.

Highlights:

🌉 Bridging Two Worlds:

- The unique challenges of growing up between two cultures

- How our roots shape our dreams and our identities

- The delicate balance of honoring family while pursuing personal aspirations

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Ties:

Ruiz masterfully explores the complexities of immigrant family dynamics:

- A father's fading entrepreneurial dreams and a son's burning ambition

- A mother's devotion to a child with special needs

- The weight of family expectations vs. personal desires

🎨 Chasing Creative Dreams:

For our listeners pursuing careers in the arts or any field where they feel like outsiders:

- Ramón's quest to become an artist in New York speaks to the courage it takes to follow your passion

- We'll discuss the unique obstacles faced by Latino creatives in America

- How can we support and elevate diverse voices in the arts?

🇺🇸 Redefining the American Dream:

- Is the traditional American Dream still relevant for our community?

- How do we measure success when straddling two cultures?

- The personal cost of pursuing our goals and the value of staying true to ourselves

🤔 Questions We'll Explore:

1. How do we maintain our cultural identity while adapting to new environments?

2. What sacrifices are we willing to make for our dreams, and where do we draw the line?

3. How can we turn the challenges of our bicultural experiences into strengths?

This episode promises to be a heartfelt exploration of identity, ambition, and the power of storytelling. Ruiz's novel serves as a mirror for our own experiences and a window into the diverse tapestry of Latino life in America.

Whether you're a first-generation professional, a budding artist, or simply searching for stories that reflect your reality, this discussion will resonate with you. Join us as we find inspiration in Ramón's journey and perhaps gain new perspective on our own paths.

Tune in, reflect, and find your voice with Encuentras Your Voice!

#LatinoLiterature #AmericanDream #BorderStories #LatinoAuthors #RudyRuiz #EncuentrasYourVoice

Consuelo is a First Gen Peruvian, structural engineer, mother and Scorpio fired Latina out to hold the mic and shine the light for amazing Latinas and advocates who share their journey from ancestry to authenticity in their most genuine voice. 

Connect with Consuelo on IG @Consuelo_Ends_in_O

Discover Encuentras Your Voice podcast on IG @EncuentrasYourVoice and join the comunidad of amazing Latinas!

Listen to every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast or any of your favorite streaming platforms. Watch the full videos on our YouTube channel @EncuentrasYourVoice