Calladita No More: My Latina Journey and the Lessons that Shaped Me

"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 readers 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.

Author: Hady Mendez
Publisher: Publish Your Purpose
Published: 09/15/2025
Pages: 200
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.52lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9798887971766

About the Author
Mendez, Hady: - Hady Mendez is a NY-based best-selling author, Latina speaker, and ERG coach. She is the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, a company that is transforming the professional experiences of underestimated professionals by providing them with the skills to rise and thrive in the corporate world or in whatever path they choose.With a diverse career spanning over twenty-five years, Hady has served as head of equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader and advisor across various ERGs, dedicated two years to working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women internationally, and served as Community School Director at an elementary school in the South Bronx.Hady's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Manhattan College, and graduate certificates in eBusiness and eCommerce from New York University and New Jersey Institute of Technology, respectively. She also holds a Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut.Hady is the Director of Programs for Lean In Latinas, an organization that is focused on advancing Latinas in the workplace, and the Membership Lead for the NYC chapter of Ellevate Network, the largest community of women at work.Hady's essays have been featured in Business Insider and #WeAllGrow Latina. Her thought leadership has been leveraged by organizations such as the Diversity Leadership Alliance, PowerToFly, Prospanica, and many others. Hady is a Latinas in Tech Luminarias 2022 honoree, a Women of ALPFA 2023 Latinas to Watch, a 2024 LinkedIn Top Coaching & Mentoring Voice, and the recipient of HACE's 2025 Mujer Maravilla Award. In her free time, Hady is an amateur street art photographer and an avid podcast listener.