Why subscribe?

Why “Mapa de Cultura”?
Because I’m mapping the places where Latina life happens - at the kitchen table and the airport when you first arrive here, in school pick-up lines and beauty aisles, at UCLA library archives of long ago, and family Whatsapps. A map is never finished; it’s revised as we learn more. Curiosity first, evidence next, story always.

What I do here
I write essays that braid history, culture, and research with lived experience. My background reporting, cultural analysis, and under grad and graduate level work in clinical psychology research at UCLA and U of Illinois - means I love sources and statistics, but I also love how the stories from our families. Expect pieces on Latina identity, parenting and belonging, the human side of immigration, wellness without the performative hustle, and the small rituals that hold a community together.

What counts as “culture”?
Pretty much everything that shapes how we live: family, beauty and language, screens and school, work and rest, food and neighborhood, music and memory. Some essays will take weeks of reading and interviews; others will be quick dispatches or Q&As with people who are shaping the conversation.

Be part of the map
You’re part of the convo: If there’s a story you want me to explore - or a thread you want to start - hit reply to any newsletter email with “story idea” or “thread idea” in the subject. You can also reach me at [email protected] for tips, questions, or subscription issues.

Who I am
I’m an immigrant who grew up in Chile and moved to the U.S. at nine. I am a published author and have written for outlets like Business Insider, Mitu, Fierce, and Remezcla. My work centers Latina life - who we are now, how we got here, and where we’re going next.

Tagline
Stories and histories from the archive of Latin America and its diaspora.

Stay up-to-date

Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.