Latinas Rising
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Dedicated to elevating women in their professional and personal lives through consulting, authorship, mentorship, and community-building initiatives.
Our mission is to empower YOU, create a strong sense of belonging, and build a thriving community.
This Women Veterans Recognition Day weekend, Latinas Rising had the privilege of bringing to life a vision that had been on our hearts for some time: creating a space where women veterans could be heard, valued, restored, and reminded that their stories matter.
“Resilience Reimagined: Renew. Reflect. Refuel. Restore” was envisioned, designed, and led by Latinas Rising as a day dedicated to the healing power of voice through storytelling, connection, reflection, rest, and community.
Many of the experiences of military service, both the triumphs and the invisible burdens, often remain unspoken. We wanted to create a listening space where women could set aside their responsibilities, be fully present, breathe, rest, and reconnect with themselves and one another.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the retreat was the participation of Latinas Rising authors who generously shared their gifts, talents, and lived experiences. Through storytelling, vulnerability, and authentic conversations, they demonstrated that finding our voice is often the first step toward healing and having a listening empowers to bringto light what may have been silenced for decades.
Participants were inspired by an incredible lineup of presenters and facilitators, including Jacqueline Duty, author, writing coach, and Executive Director of Vitality who was the emcee and beautifully navigated the day toward restoration; Veronica Soria, retired Marine and expert coach on identity, transition, and life after service; she remotely presented on the identity shifts women veterans experience during and after service, and how to reconnect with purpose, strengths, and direction beyond the uniform.
Becca Meredith from Enlightened Pelvic Health gently educated the women emphasizing awareness, self‑advocacy, and sustainable well‑being. She also demonstrated exercises and tools towards the restoration of women’s health Ch King, Air Force reserve chaplain who delivered a presentation on moral injury allowing the women to reflect and connect with themselves, and share their experiences to begin the healing process.
Eileen Wolfington, health & wellness expert who led a restorative sound bath experience renewing and calming the nervous system through rest and sound; and Esmeralda Aharon, retired Air Force veteran who wrapped up the day with a presentation focused on the power of our voices and shared physical, emotional, and spiritual tips to refueling the spirit for the mission ahead.
Throughout the day, women veterans reflected on their journeys, discovered resources for wellness, shared experiences, built new connections, and found strength in the collective wisdom of a sisterhood that understands service.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the speakers, the Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center for providing such a beautiful and peaceful environment for renewal, and to Vet Biz for investing in the well-being and success of those who have served.
To every woman veteran who joined us: thank you for your service, your courage, and your willingness to show up for yourself and for one another. Your stories continue to strengthen our communities and inspire future generations.
Together, we renewed. We reflected. We restored. We refueled. Most importantly, we listened to the stories of women veterans that for many years have remained silent. And we lovingly empowered them to say it stops with us.
06/12/2026
Happy Women Veterans Recognition Day to all women who have served and are currently serving, especially the military-affiliated authors of "Calladitas Rising" and "Amigas Rising."
We see you.
We hear you.
We rise with you!
Thank you for your service.
06/11/2026
Expresamos nuestra más profunda gratitud a la Arquidiócesis de St. Louis por creer en la importancia de crear espacios seguros, acogedores y transformadores para las mujeres de nuestra comunidad.
Gracias por auspiciar ‘Encontrando Tu Voz,’ un encuentro diseñado para mujeres hispanas y latinoamericanas que desean crecer, sanar, fortalecer su liderazgo y descubrir el poder que habita en sus historias.
En tiempos en los que nuestras comunidades enfrentan desafíos cada vez más complejos, es fundamental contar con organizaciones que reconozcan que apoyar a las mujeres significa fortalecer familias, comunidades y futuras generaciones.
La Arquidiócesis entendió esta necesidad y caminó junto a nosotras para hacer posible una experiencia completamente en español, donde el idioma nunca fuera una barrera para aprender, conectar y transformarse.
Celebramos a cada una de las mujeres que decidió invertir tiempo en sí misma, abrir su corazón y dar un paso hacia adelante con valentía. Su presencia fue un testimonio de resiliencia, esperanza y compromiso con su propio crecimiento.
Agradecemos profundamente a nuestras facilitadoras Gabriela Ramírez Arellano, Lizett Mata y Esmeralda Aharon por compartir sus experiencias, conocimientos y reflexiones con autenticidad, generosidad y amor. También fue un privilegio contar con la presencia de la autora Leslie Rodriguez de Mama Pacha Sabor, quien continúa inspirando a través de su voz y su comida.
Deseamos que cada conversación, reflexión y aprendizaje sembrado durante este encuentro siga floreciendo en la vida de cada participante. Que recuerden que sus voces tienen valor, que sus historias merecen ser contadas y que su presencia tiene el poder de transformar el mundo que las rodea.
En Latinas Rising creemos firmemente que cuando una mujer encuentra su voz, descubre también su fuerza. Y cuando una mujer se atreve a brillar, inspira a otras a hacer lo mismo.
Estamos con ustedes. Las vemos. Las celebramos. Y seguiremos caminando juntas, elevándonos unas a otras con valentía, dignidad y amor.
💜 Porque sus voces importan.
💜 Porque sus historias tienen poder.
💜 Porque juntas, seguimos creciendo y brillando.
06/10/2026
We are so excited about our upcoming Resilience Reimagined 1-Day Retreat for Women Veterans and service women (active, reserve, and guard) to be held on Saturday, June 13th, from 10 am - 3 pm at
Meet our emcee: Jackie Duty is a first-generation Chilean-American author, artist, and nonprofit leader who has dedicated her life to storytelling, service, and community impact.
Jackie is the Executive Director of in Godfrey, Illinois, a Christ-centered pregnancy medical clinic providing compassionate, life-affirming care to women and families in our community. In her role, she leads strategic growth, community partnerships, and outreach efforts focused on dignity, education, and hope for women navigating unplanned pregnancies and reproductive health challenges.
With more than 20 years of experience in corporate media across newspapers, television, radio, and digital platforms, Jackie brings a powerful voice and a storyteller’s heart to her work. She has built and sold multiple businesses. She is a four-time best-selling author and a three-time #1 international best-selling author in seven countries. She also has a new children’s book out with more coming. Her creative journey—including rediscovering painting after surviving a devastating house fire—shapes her message of resilience, restoration, and purpose.
Today, Jackie uses both leadership and creativity to advocate for women, strengthen families, and build a culture that values life and hope.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Join us and meet Jackie.
Cost: $25. All workshops and lunch are included.
Register today! https://pallottinerenewal.org/women-veterans-1-day.../
Stop doubting.
Start believing.
Choose yourself.
Know your power.
Become unstoppable!
06/08/2026
We are so excited about our upcoming Resilience Reimagined 1-Day Retreat for Women Veterans and service women (active, reserve, and guard) to be held on Saturday, June 13th, from 10 am - 3 pm at Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center.
Meet our speaker: Eileen Wolfington, M.Ed. retired as a health & wellness program coordinator. Coupled with her previous work experience as a community health worker (after a 33-year banking career), Eileen’s professional background motivated her to encourage others to live in harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
She is a bilingual self-care facilitator trained in various healing arts modalities. As a tribute to her parents, her hobbies include sharing Mexican and Puerto Rican folklore and dance.
Eileen is a contributing author to several anthologies. She is devoting her retirement years toward leading a legacy that aims to enrich the lives of others through her faith-inspired calming practices to all types of audiences.
Originally from Milwaukee, Eileen has been a resident of Florissant, MO for over 35 years. She has a BA in General Business from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Eileen and her husband Dan will celebrate 40 years of marriage in October of 2026.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Join us and meet Eileen.
Cost: $25. All workshops and lunch are included.
Register today! https://pallottinerenewal.org/women-veterans-1-day.../
06/08/2026
We are so excited about our upcoming Resilience Reimagined 1-Day Retreat for Women Veterans and service women (active, reserve, and guard) to be held on Saturday, June 13th, from 10 am - 3 pm at Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center.
Meet our speaker: Eileen Wolfington, M.Ed. retired as a health & wellness program coordinator. Coupled with her previous work experience as a community health worker (after a 33-year banking career), Eileen’s professional background motivated her to encourage others to live in harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
She is a bilingual self-care facilitator trained in various healing arts modalities. As a tribute to her parents, her hobbies include sharing Mexican and Puerto Rican folklore and dance.
Eileen is a contributing author to several anthologies. She is devoting her retirement years toward leading a legacy that aims to enrich the lives of others through her faith-inspired calming practices to all types of audiences.
Originally from Milwaukee, Eileen has been a resident of Florissant, MO for over 35 years. She has a BA in General Business from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Eileen and her husband Dan will celebrate 40 years of marriage in October of 2026.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Join us and meet Eileen.
Cost: $25. All workshops and lunch are included.
Register today! https://pallottinerenewal.org/women-veterans-1-day.../
06/07/2026
🩵Announcing the Women of "Mujeres Rising: Leading with Heart and Courage"🩵
¡Bienvenida, welcome, Maria Francesca Soto-Ruiz!
She is not waiting for permission.
She is not asking for space.
She is creating it.
Today, we proudly celebrate Francesca, an extraordinary woman, who has said yes to co-author "Mujeres Rising: Leading with Heart and Courage," a collective of voices that heal, rebuild, and transform.
This is not your typical anthology.
This is truly a movement.
Each woman in this book brings forward a story that is a declaration of resilience, a reclaiming of identity, and a commitment to lead with corazón. These are stories born from lived experience: from battles fought quietly, from courage discovered in the unseen, and from a deep, unwavering desire to create something better for the women who will come next.
What makes "Mujeres Rising" different?
Leadership here is not conferred by title but revealed through the integrity of one’s truth.
These stories inspire, restore, and reconnect.
Healing is not hidden; it is honored as part of the leadership journey.
Every chapter is a bridge, linking past, present, and future generations of women.
Our voices are not meant to be silenced or softened. They are meant to echo, to disrupt, and to ignite possibility.
To every woman who has ever wondered if her story matters:
This is your sign.
Your story is not “too much.”
It is not “not enough.”
It is necessary.
Mujeres Rising is calling you to step forward.
To lead with heart.
To rise with courage.
To claim your voice and shape your legacy.
Because alone, we may succeed…but together?
We Heal. We Rebuild. We Transform.
Together, We Rise.
06/07/2026
Last evening, the City of Grafton, Illinois, hosted a beautiful 1940s Dinner Dance commemorating the unveiling of the National Memorial of Military Ascent and honoring the voices of the lost troops at Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, during the invasion of Normandy in World War II.
The evening was filled with reflection, remembrance, and appreciation for those who have served our nation.
A particularly meaningful moment came when Mayor Mike Morrow recognized the women veterans in attendance, sharing these powerful words:
“As we unveil the National Memorial of Military Ascent, we affirm a long-overdue truth. Just one week before Women Veterans Recognition Day on June 12th, marking the 1948 law that allowed women to serve permanently, we honor the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of women who have served, often without recognition. While this memorial depicts the historic D-Day anniversary, we gather with intention to ensure that the service of women is also seen, valued, and remembered as part of our nation’s story. With women veterans here whose voices and stories carry forward their legacy, we help ensure future generations will see their strength and contributions clearly. Let today be both dedication and declaration: we see you, we honor you, and we rise with you.”
His words recognized that military service is incomplete without the contributions and the voices of women who have answered the call to serve across generations.
Latinas Rising is deeply grateful to Mayor Morrow, the City of Grafton, and the event organizers for inviting our authors who shared their stories of service and resilience in “Calladitas Rising” and “Amigas Rising.”
Thank you for recognizing that every veteran’s story matters and for ensuring that the legacy of service includes the voices, leadership, resilience, and sacrifice of women veterans.
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