In Season 2, Episode 3 of The Missing Book Podcast, Luz Maria Mack speaks with retired educator, mentor, and author Angela Arias, lovingly known by her students as “Dr. Mom.”

Angela shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City, her 35-year career in education, and her passion for mentoring first-generation students and women of color. She also discusses her book Half a Century Ago, inspired by her childhood experience as a young immigrant growing up in New York during the 1970s.

Angela explains why she refused to change her story to fit the publishing industry’s expectation that Latino stories must always focus on trauma. Instead, she chose to believe in her voice and publish stories rooted in family, education, resilience, culture, and love.

This powerful conversation reminds us that our stories matter, our destinies belong to us, and we do not have to wait for permission to share our truth.

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About The Missing Book Podcast:

Hosted by Luz Maria Mack, The Missing Book Podcast highlights authors, illustrators, educators, and creatives whose stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Each episode explores the inspiration behind the work, the publishing journey, and the impact stories can have on readers, families, and communities.

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