Calladita No More

My Latina Journey and the Lessons That Shaped Me

De: Hady Mendez

Narrado por: Hady Mendez

Calladita No More is a powerful collection of stories about the lived experiences of a Latina who dared to dream big-only to find that the world wasn't built for her ambitions. Through the lens of familiar Latinx cultural sayings, or refranes, Hady Méndez shares the lessons she learned navigating identity, leadership, and belonging in a world fueled by bias, discrimination, racism, and sexism.

Each chapter holds a different refrán and lesson, blending personal storytelling with cultural reflection to spotlight hard-earned insights on empowerment, resilience, and reclaiming one's voice. This is not a step-by-step guide. It is a deeply personal narrative-an offering of wisdom and encouragement to Latinas and Women of Color who are carving their own paths through systems that were never designed with them in mind.

Hady's journey is a testament to what is possible when one learns to champion themselves, celebrate their successes, foster community, and prioritize self-care. Written with joy, clarity, and mucho orgullo, the book invites listeners to reflect on the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained.

This book is a call to remember who you are, where you come from, and the power you already hold. You are not alone on this journey. The wisdom and strength you desire are already within.

©2025 Hady Mendez (P)2025 Hady Mendez

The empowerment to woman

I love chapter 9, it fell deep and so right in every way how we a change and set out minds to move forward and keep our head up.

From our window!

Calladita No More: My Latina Journey and the Lessons That Shaped Me. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. I’ve been genuinely impressed by how the author took her personal narrative — her culture, her refranes, her leadership lessons — and turned it into a platform for change. So many chapters had me laughing at loud, tearing and connecting with the many dichos that reminded me of my own upbringing and career journey.

In this moment of professional and personal change, her story resonates deeply. It reminds me that silences aren’t always safe, and quiet doesn’t always equal respect. The courage it takes to challenge systems, call out old cultural scripts, and lift as you rise — this is the kind of leadership the next generation needs.

Here’s to her voice, your vision, and the many voices you’ll inspire. May “Calladita No More” reach far and wide, change minds, open doors, and spark the kind of transformation that you embody.

With admiration and excitement for what’s next.

Many thanks,
Barma



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A must read for any woman who wants to succeed and lift up others on the way

This book is targeted at women of color, but is an amazing resource for anyone who to show up at work or for their community as the most confident, authentic, and generous version of themselves. The stories of hardships in the workplace are incredibly relatable, which paired with the lessons learned, make for an inspiring and practical guide to succeeding - and lifting up others in the process.

A Must-Listen: Own Your Story/Power-Transformative

Calladita No More is a must-listen or read by Latinas, Latinos, Allies, Workplace Leaders, and Non-Latina/o Colleagues.. I have done both. Hearing Hady Méndez’s powerful, authentic, honest, vulnerable, and raw narration felt like a deep, intimate conversation between the closest of friends, amplifying the impact of her compelling story, lived experiences, wise counsel, and calls to action. I am now a better ally, a Latino community activist, an executive/career management coach, a life partner, and a parent/grandparent to Latina and Latino children.

In one weekend, family and friends became an impromptu intergenerational book club, sharing our visceral experiences of Hady’s and our own journeys. Our conversations were profound; we laughed, cried, and hugged as we discussed the book’s reflection questions.

Hady empowers her readers to be the architects and owners of their authentic narratives in life and careers. I encourage you to read the numerous book reviews to see how Calladita No More has uniquely impacted these readers. Then invest in yourself and every Latina whose voice deserves to be heard.

​"You owe it to yourself and to your community to advocate for yourself and show it fully."

“En resumen,” Calladita No More is a compelling must-read that empowers Latinas at any career stage. Hady Méndez shares her journey with fear and the pressure to stay  "calladita" or lay low, offering practical advice and stories that inspire readers to trust themselves and claim their power. Each chapter opens with a familiar Latinx saying or “refran” that grounds the narrative in heritage. Méndez’s book serves as a "love letter" to Latinas and women of color, providing tangible lessons on self-trust, resilience, and authentic self-presentation.

A Voice That Inspires

A must read. Bold, beautiful, and deeply resonant debut. It is more than a collection of pages - it’s a movement, a mirror, and a megaphone for voices that have too often been quieted.

It was relatable in the most personal way, engaging from start to finish, and fill with the kind of motivation that lingers. You have inspired me - and I know you’ll inspire so many others.

May Calladita No More echo far and wide, and may it be the first of many courageous works to come.

A must listen

It is clear how authentic and honest Hady is from start to finish. Her vulnerability & openness resonated so strongly in ways I didn’t expect. I wish this book existed earlier in my career because it helped remind me that my experiences are not just my own. It reminded me of the strength in our comunidad and in the importance of lifting others up as we rise. Thank you so much, Hady ♥️