We were lucky to catch up with Nury Castillo Crawford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nury, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience for me. As a first-generation brown Latina who immigrated from Peru to the USA at the age of almost 11, I’ve learned to navigate spaces where I may be the only one who looks like me. Embracing my cultural identity with confidence has been key, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to the table. Effectiveness in such situations comes from cultivating cultural competence, effective communication, and continuous learning. Building a supportive network of mentors and allies has provided guidance, and taking on leadership roles has allowed me to showcase my skills and contribute meaningfully. Through advocacy for inclusion and a commitment to cultural sensitivity, I strive to not only succeed individually but also contribute to creating more diverse and inclusive environments. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the value of my background in enriching the spaces I inhabit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
What excites me most about THE little BOOK SPOT is its passionate advocacy for literacy that goes beyond just reading – it champions the beauty of languages, particularly Spanish, and celebrates the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. The power of bilingual books, crafted by authors from various backgrounds, transcends mere storytelling; it immerses readers in a journey where they become part of the story, the landscape, and the culture. There’s a unique magic in the pages that not only impacts those represented in the narratives but also offers readers the chance to glimpse and embrace different cultures. Reading these books is like embarking on a cultural odyssey without leaving the comfort of your home. It’s this transformative power that fuels my love for what THE little BOOK SPOT stands for. I invite you to join us in this exciting journey of promoting literacy and embracing the richness of languages and cultures. Contact me to be a part of this incredible initiative and make a lasting impact on the lives of many. We host pop-up shops at various bookstores, host a two week summer camp, and our annual book festival- El Gusanito Book Festival!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: cultural resilience, educational expertise, and a passion for literature. As an immigrant girl, it took until adulthood to find books that reflected my identity in this country. The first quality, cultural resilience, involves embracing and celebrating one’s cultural background, allowing for authenticity and strength in navigating diverse spaces. Secondly, educational expertise has played a crucial role, given my background as an educator. Understanding the importance of literacy and leveraging that knowledge has been key in advocating for inclusive educational experiences. Lastly, my passion for literature, recognizing it as a transformative tool, has fueled my journey.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to first embrace and celebrate your cultural identity. It is a source of strength that can set you apart. Secondly, invest in educational expertise – whether formal education or continuous learning – as it equips you with the tools to advocate effectively. Lastly, cultivate a passion for literature; reading not only broadens your perspective but can also be a powerful advocacy tool. Seek books that mirror your experiences and those of others, as they can be a source of inspiration and empowerment. By developing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, individuals can pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, we are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with businesses that share our passion for education and literacy. Our events at THE little BOOK SPOT are immersive experiences centered around bilingual books, engaging activities, and fostering a love for reading. We are particularly interested in collaborating with businesses that recognize the importance of supporting literacy initiatives, especially those that celebrate diverse languages and cultures.
If you are a business or organization that values education and wants to make a positive impact on the community, we invite you to collaborate with us as sponsors for our events. Your support will contribute to the success of our read-aloud sessions, activities, and the distribution of free bilingual books to children at each event.
Connecting with us is easy – reach out through our website, social media channels, or directly contact me. We believe that by joining forces, we can create meaningful experiences for children, promote literacy, and make a lasting impact on the community. Let’s work together to inspire a love for learning and open doors to diverse worlds through the magic of bilingual books.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelittlebookspot.godaddysites.com/
- Facebook: @thelittlebookspot
Image Credits
Nury Castillo Crawford
