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Recognized as a 2006 “Woman
of Distinction” at Sylvia is a featured speaker for the National Women’s History
Project. Her workshops and
lectures target women’s/girls associations, multicultural studies
programs, writers, students and business entrepreneurs. She has appeared on C-Span’s
Book-TV, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Book
Expo America, The Essence of Latinas Tour, and the Latino
Book & Family Festival. Sylvia has received awards
for journalistic excellence and her articles have appeared in Sylvia Mendoza is a
member of the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of
Hispanic Journalists, National Federation of Press Women, National Latina
Business Women’s Association, and National Women’s History
Project. Her diverse professional
achievements include teaching English as a Second Language & helping to
launch a full-service, all-woman-run bilingual public relations agency in The mother of three
teenagers, Sylvia volunteers at San Diego Juvenile Hall as a book club
facilitator for young women living there. With the belief that every person
has a story to tell, she teaches a writing workshop for Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State San Marcos and is the parenting
columnist for Siempre Mujer
magazine. Visit: www.sylvia-mendoza.com Contact:
(760) 942-8058 or Email: sylviamendoza1@aol.com
The E!
True Story about Sylvia Mendoza
I grew up a Navy brat, moving every few years to
different cities and even lived on islands like Even though Spanish was my first language, I lost that
ability when we found ourselves in Giving up a language was a shame and is such a
disadvantage now, but that was a sign of the times and a by-product of my
dad’s profession. Identity crises followed as I grew up.
Everyone assumed that with a name like Today I practice my Spanish and though I’m not fluent and my vocabulary is limited, I am determined to make it more a part of my life. But there were many advantages to being part of this huge Navy family. There was good that came from the experience. The top three reasons are: 1. It made me hold my roots close. At home, I knew who I was. Family was solid. Visiting grandmas and grandpas and other relatives were highlights of my young life. It was so lively and everyone spoke Spanish so quickly and hugged me so readily that I felt like I was thrown into a fast-paced movie. I loved watching my mom with her brothers and sisters. There was lots of laughter in the air, wailing rancheras on the radio, pots of coffee always percolating, and pan dulce on the table for our visits—special occasions. 2. It was good exposure to different cultures and ways of life. I think it made us count our blessings, become more tolerant and embrace the richness of diversity. My parents left the small towns they grew up in and I think this opened up the world to my brother and me. 3. It started my lifelong love of books and the written word. When we had to move and leave friends behind, the constant in my life were books and diaries. I read and wrote. I loved the library, a safe haven. I wrote my thoughts and poems in those diaries that I locked every night. So when we returned to She is the one who made me realize with all certainty, that I would pursue a writing career. I took every English class I could. Wrote for the school paper. Did internships at our community newspaper. And then I was accepted into the When I was selected the Outstanding Graduate in Journalism by Sigma Delta Chi (student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists) I saw with great clarity what kind of writing career I wanted. What I learned was this: I loved writing “people” stories—profiles and features that were really “feel good” stories. I didn’t want to write hard news, cover politics and wars or so many injustices. I wanted to write about the people affected by these. I wanted to write emotion. I wanted to enlighten and educate. I truly believe that every person has a story to tell. And so, I began a life of freelance writing. There have been definite ups and downs (no articles, no pay) but the rewards have been great. I have learned something from every single person I’ve interviewed. And learning is important to me. I don’t think anyone can ever be educated too much. Learning is a lifelong, ongoing process. I also have been absolutely blessed with the type of people I’ve met in this profession—other writers and editors and the interviewees themselves. They simply balance out those who have stood by me forever as family and friends. I don’t know what I’d do without them. The journey has been a good one. It has led me to the world of writing books, a new adventure. The Book of I have returned to school, working towards a masters degree in Women’s Studies. I have begun a speaking circuit, hoping to illuminate these incredible Latinas, and give young girls and teens some new role models. I want them to see women who took their passion and made something sensational of their lives, or changed the lives of others for the better. And I want them to believe that we all have that capability within us. Onward… Sylvia
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