Author tells stories of great female Latinos

By: DAVID STERRETT - Staff Writer | Saturday, March 24, 2007 10:54 PM PDT ∞

OCEANSIDE ---- Author Sylvia Mendoza shared inspirational stories about Latino women who followed their passions to become great athletes, artists and educators during a free public talk Saturday at Oceanside's Mission Branch Library.

"You each have your own journey and people you touch," said Mendoza, the author of "The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength, and Success."

"Remember, where you came from is vitally important to what you will leave this world," Mendoza, told about 30 residents who gathered to hear her speak as part of Women's History Month.

Mendoza, a mother of three who lives in Olivenhain, explained how she discovered so many great stories about accomplished Latino women when writing her book, which has received numerous honors in the last couple of years.

After Mendoza concluded the hourlong talk, retired men, mothers and teenager girls all rushed for copies of her book.

Many of the residents said they enjoyed learning about influential Latino women such as performer Rita Moreno and longtime farmworkers advocate Dolores Huerta.

"It was really good," said Ana Davis, an 11-year-old from Escondido, who added that she was inspired by the story of professional basketball player Rebecca Lobo.

Mendoza told the audience that Lobo, who was on the U.S. women's Olympic team, slept with a basketball in third grade, and honed her skills despite teachers and classmates telling her the sport was not for girls.

Likewise, Mendoza said that college professors at San Diego State told Dr. Ellen Ochoa not to study physics, but Ochoa went on to become the first female astronaut who is Latino.

Many residents said they didn't know about all of the great women Mendoza discussed.

"We have to recognize these ladies who have been neglected in the past," said Alex Weisz, an Oceanside resident. "I'm happy to see how far we have come as a society."

Mendoza said writing about the accomplishment of Latino women changed her life and made her re-evaluate her goals. Mendoza has worked for more than two decades as a journalist and freelance writer, but after the book was published, she decided to take courses on women's studies at San Diego State University.

Mendoza, who was recognized last year as a "Woman of Distinction" at Cal State San Marcos for her contributions to promoting gender issues, said she enjoys speaking to teenagers about following their dreams.

"I want to bring to life some of the lives of women of color," Mendoza said. "All women should be celebrated."

Contact staff writer David Sterrett at (760) 901-4067 or dsterrett@nctimes.com.