She didn’t think her story mattered.

It took five conversations before she finally said yes to being part of the book.

That’s what stuck with me after sitting down with Melissa Vela-Williamson, M.A., APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP—an award-winning PR strategist and now two-time author—who just released a groundbreaking new book featuring 14 Latina voices in public relations.

Voices that have been overlooked.

Stories that were nearly left untold.

Until now.

This wasn’t just a publishing project. It was a healing process.

For Melissa.

For the contributors.

And for anyone who’s ever questioned if they belonged at the table.
We talked about some deep conversations that helped me understand her world on a deeper level.

Why women—especially Latinas—still hesitate to self-promote

The financial and emotional investment of hybrid publishing

And how this book turned uncertainty into a bold representation

These women didn’t wait for permission.

They told their stories—and opened the door for others to do the same.

Watch the full conversation here.

#risingauthors #gardenwarrior