50 Latinas featured in new book by Maryland artist in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

BALTIMORE -  A Latina artist from Columbia, Maryland is using her creative talents to uplift Latinas and hopes her first illustrated book can highlight the importance of representation as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Latino representation in media is limited. According to a report from the U.S Census Bureau, Latinos are represented in published materials like newspapers, books and magazines at only eight percent.

Sandra Lucia Diaz is an illustrator who aims to change that one page at a time.

"We should celebrate Latinas every day," Diaz said. "365 days of the year, because we have so much to offer."

Now, that can be achieved through Sandra Lucia Diaz's first illustrated book called Viva Latina: Wisdom from Remarkable Women to Inspire and Empower.

Inside, the book honors 50 Latinas of all shades with life-like depictions.

"Growing up I didn't see us represented in history books," Diaz said. "I didn't see us celebrated in media the way that we should be."

Each Latina is acknowledged with a brief biography or a story that highlights that individual's wisdom and life struggles.

It's a serious point of reflection for Diaz as she reflects on the days her mother sold arepas and empanadas, laying the groundwork of entrepreneurship for her.

"The great thing about my mom is she would always tell me tu eres capaz [You are capable in Spanish]," Diaz said.

Diaz's grandmother was the first person to buy a commission piece from her and now she pays homage to her with her illustration business.

"They had to fight," Diaz said about her family. "They had such a hard time fitting into society's expectations of who they are. That they weren't allowed to dream. They weren't allowed to pursue anything that they wanted to do."

Diaz's creative journey started in Miami with colorful markers. But 14 years later, she now makes detailed strokes on a tablet at her home studio in Columbia, Maryland.

"I think it's super important to never forget about where you come from," Diaz said. "Never forget about who you are. And to me being Colombian. Being part a lineage of strong women."

Diaz partnered with her mentor, Sandra Velasquez, to create this book to inspire women to aim higher and feel seen.

Velasquez is a self-made entrepreneur who created a Mexican beauty and lifestyle brand who even pitched her business on an episode of Shark Tank.  Diaz said she admires Velasquez for being a leader in the retail space., a space Diaz said is difficult for Latinas to break into and succeed.

From entrepreneurs, to activists, to authors, the book spotlights fierce Latinas, including Diaz herself.

She writes in the book, "to all my ancestors I stand to the testament of your wildest dreams. As a mujer, I especially honor the women in my lineage, for I'm a product of their sacrifices."

For every page she turns, Diaz said another name is etched in history and generations of Latina representation is honored.

The book is now available at major book stores and Target. It was released this month in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.