Marisel Herrera-Anderson.

This woman is an inspiration in numerous ways. Her life story speaks volumes about the human capacity to surmount even the worst of circumstances and she encourages everyone she encounters to better themselves and strive for more. Her book Puerto Rican Goldilocks: A Lyrical Journey through El Barrio is fascinating and insightful; her stories are relatable, inspiring and, at times, heart wrenching. In this book she talks about being raised in poverty and the great lengths her mother went to provide for and take care of her and her seven siblings. Marisel's life was far from easy, but she overcame all odds and has become such a strong and admirable woman. I admire her brutal honesty in recounting her life story and teaching others about the lessons she's learned through her struggles. She said in her lecture last night that she feels that she's benefitted as much from her valley experiences as her mountaintop experiences. Her optimism in saying that it's never too late to take charge of your life and improve upon yourself is so uplifting. I encourage others to read her book.