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.
Hady Mendez
Hady Mendez is a NY-based bestselling author, Latina speaker, and ERG coach. She currently serves as the Director of Programs for Lean In Latinas. She is also 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 andthrive 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 essays have been featured in Business Insider and #WeAllGrow Latina and her thought leadership has been leveraged by organizations such as Lean In Latinas, Power To Fly, 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 conversation with
Vanessa Schwippert
Founder of the Latina Writing Comunidad: Newsletter, virtual workshops, in-person events, and podcast episodes centering Latinas who are breaking barriers, embracing passions, and sharing their stories.
Why I Wrote Calladita No More
By Hady Méndez
There comes a time in life when you can’t help but reflect on the impact you’ve made and assess whether the outcomes align with your expectations.
That time came for me shortly after getting laid off in 2023. After losing my dream job as head of equality at a major tech firm, I had some thinking to do. Life was offering me an opportunity to keep going down the path I was on or hit the reset button.
I decided to hit reset.
First, I launched my business, Boldly Speaking, LLC. It is through this business that I help organizations create inclusive work environments where everyone can thrive. I also motivate and inspire underestimated professionals to own their power and stop waiting for permission to do so.
My mission eventually led me to create two LinkedIn Live series. One for Latinas. The other for Employee Resource Group leaders and professionals. The Latinas: Front & Center series is a passion project that has led to so much personal learning and growth. I’ve met incredible women who embody the spirit of “lifting as you rise” by the way they show up for each other and use their platforms to amplify other voices. What started as a way to shine a light on Latinas has become a source of inspiration and hope for the next generation.
Last year, I finally decided it was time to share my story in an effort to get other women to share theirs. And that’s how “Calladita No More” was born. It’s a compilation of the stories, lessons and people that shaped me. And an invitation for other mujeres to reflect on and honor the ones that shaped them.
We share our stories because they matter. Because representation matters. Because being brave and bold matters. Because no one is coming to save us, and so we must show up for ourselves.
This book is a love letter to Latinas, Women of Color, and the people that love us.
I trust that means you.