Summer Writing Mentors 2024
All workshops are led by Latinas, called Writing Mentors, who volunteer their time and talent to support our writers.
Our Writing Mentors are who are classroom teachers, college students, and community artists.
Not only do our writing mentors teach lessons, they also write, draw, and share alongside the girls and draw on their expertise to facilitate and develop activities.
Dr. Tracey
Founder & Writing Mentor
Pronouns: she/ her/ella
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Current Position: Assistant Professor at UT Austin
Hobbies: Running, Writing, Reading Children’s Literature & Young Adult Literature, Taking Pictures of Cactus, Drinking Coffee
Why I Write: I write for my mother, my Nana Josie, for my daughter, Milagros, and for my students. I write to unearth our histories, illuminate our stories, and break silences. I write to heal and to dream of a new world alongside our chicas.
Calista
Writing Mentor
Pronouns: she/ her/ella
Hometown: Lockhart, TX
Current Position: 4th grade math/science teacher
Hobbies: walking and training my dog, reading, shopping at Target, traveling, and journaling
Why I Write: I write for myself, my family, and my students. I write because it gives me a safe space to reflect, remember, and heal from experiences. I write to hold on to my memories, communicate with those I can’t see and talk to everyday, and share my story so others feel encouraged to share theirs too!
Alethea
Writing Mentor
Pronouns: she/ her/ella
Hometown: Rockdale, Texas
Current Position: High School ESL Teacher
Hobbies: Spending time with my daughter (Soledad), walking in my neighborhood, frequenting the park & library on weekends, visiting my hometown, and keeping up with the latest Latinx books
Why I Write: To nourish the part of me that craves to express itself; to preserve and honor a story/person/feeling/thought/idea.
Kathryn
Writing Mentor
Pronouns: she/ her/ella
Hometown: Mission, TX
Current Position: First-Year Teacher
Hobbies: Reading, Painting, Watching new shows and movies.
Why I Write: I write for myself and my family, for my students, and for all the people who struggle to find their own voice. I write with the intention of sharing stories, learning, and growing.
Nina
Writing Mentor
Pronouns: she/ her/ella
Hometown: Austin, TX
Current Position: UT Austin Student Teacher
Hobbies: Drawing, Reading, Tennis, Cosmetology, Spending time with my Sisters and dog
Why I Write: I write for my family, women who came before me and their stories, my sisters, and my students. I write to learn and reflect on our lives and experiences as Latina Mujeres.