If you are a regular visitor here, then you know that I love an inspiring narrative about the power of literature and reading. For Californian Davina Agudelo-Ferreira, her personal story about the life-changing influence of the written word is especially compelling. As a youngster growing up in Colombia, she experienced firsthand the trauma caused by the criminal cartels and the brutal drug trade.

Literature became Davina’s sanctuary from a dangerous world. Over time, however, it became more than that – it became the way in which she could make a real difference to the community around her.

In particular, Davina’s grandfather was an enormous influence on growing interest in poetry, reading and writing. As a published poet, his love of language inspired his granddaughter.

After moving to Los Angeles to study theater arts, she also took a journalism course at UCLA, which exposed her to many of the issues facing the Latin American community in the United States. This led to a new project – Alegría Magazine. With this magazine, Davina found she had a platform to showcase the diversity and strength of LatinX authors, poets, and writers.

After launching the magazine, Davina bought a van and set about transforming the vehicle into a bookstore on wheels. With this mobile center of literature and writing, she travelled across California, bringing the work of LatinX writers to new audiences around the state, and also hosting reading and writing programs for underprivileged children.

This in turn led to the creation of Alegría Publishing, where LatinX writers can find a home. She also hosts the Alegría Writing Collective, where she gives writers the skills and understanding they need to launch their own careers.