Meet Maritere Bellas | Award winning bilingual, bicultural author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maritere Bellas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maritere, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I write bilingual children’s books that promote language and culture. It makes me happy to see diverse children’s books in bookstores, libraries and classrooms. Books that all children have access to and that highlight our multicultural, multilingual, multiethnic world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am passionate about empowering parents to raise children ready to compete in a global society. Years ago, when I was raising my kids, I combined my love for writing and my devotion to motherhood to create a diverse platform of resources that would guide parents, like me, in their mission to raise bilingual, multilingual, multicultural children. Through books, inspirational quotes, a podcast, speaking engagements, social media content, blog posts, IG Lives, videos and my personal experience, I aim to offer up to date information, education and resources that support parents in their quest to raise confident and happy bilingual children. Children that will grow up understanding the value of being bilingual, bi-literate and proud of their heritage culture.

Over the years, my approach has been practical, sincere and authentic. My goal: to motivate parents to preserve their native language and native culture and to expose children to other languages and other cultures. A sure way to promote diversity, inclusion and respect. All things needed when raising children understanding and appreciating the world around them!

I am the author of four award winning parenting books, Raising Bilingual Children, an e-book published by Simon and Schuster in English and in Spanish, and Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie:Raising Bicultural Children, also published in both languages. I am also the author of two award winning bilingual children’s book, Luisito’s Island/La Isla de Luisito and I have a secret/Tengo un secreto. My next bilingual children’s book is due to be published in the Spring of 2024.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is a rich in cultures and neighborhoods that boast a myriad of activities and tastes. From West Hollywood to Mid City, Beverly Hills to Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and the South Bay, all the cities offer culinary experiences, cultural and touristic opportunities that everyone would enjoy. A must see: LACMA and Korea Town in Mid City; The Broad, Olvera Street Plaza and Plaza de la Cultura y Artes, DTLA; Huntington Library, Pasadena; Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; Rodeo Drive, B.H; Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes; South Coast Botanical Gardens, Torrance; the beach cities, Manhattan Beach,Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach! As far as food: La Guelaguetza – Mid City;
Felix, Venice; Bestia and Manuela, DTLA; Little Sister, Redondo Beach; Jame, El Segundo; Mangiamo, Manhattan Beach; Baran’s 2239 Hermosa Beach; Gabi James, Redondo Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am inspired every day by Latinas that owned their own business, some in the publishing world, some in retail: Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, Lil’Libros; Sandra Gonzalez, Skillfull and Soulful Press; Naibe Reynoso, Con Todo Press. Magali Vitale, Kuyay Peruvian Designs; Pili Montilla and Karla K. Butvifad at Karla and Co. Asian authors and publishers Lacey Benard and Lulu Cheng from Bitty Bao are also amazing! Women’s communities like
Las Mamacitas, Poderistas, We All Grow, they are empowering!

Website: www.maritererodriguezbellas.com

Instagram: @latinaboomermom

Linkedin: @Maritere Rodriguez Bellas

Twitter: @Maritere Rodriguez Bellas

Facebook: @Maritere Rodriguez Bellas

Other: Threads- @latinaboomermom

Image Credits
Robson Muzele