Latinx in Social Work Amplifies Stories of Challenges and Successes of Hispanic Social Workers; Anthology presents 21 authors who inspire and heal communities

New York-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Priscilla Sandoval found a very interesting statistic when it comes to Hispanics in the social work field. According to social workers.org, "Latinxs are the largest ethnic minority in the US yet only 14% of social workers are Latinx."

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Latinx in Social Work

21 Oct, 2021, 08:00 ET


ASTORIA, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- New York-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Priscilla Sandoval found a very interesting statistic when it comes to Hispanics in the social work field. According to social workers.org, "Latinxs are the largest ethnic minority in the US yet only 14% of social workers are Latinx."

"When I saw that statistic, I needed to know why that was such a low number," said Sandoval, founder of Sandoval CoLab, a psychotherapy and consulting group. "As I talked with my colleagues, I uncovered stories of racism, bias and discrimination but also how they healed communities with the hard, difficult and rewarding work that they put in each day. That's when I realized that we in the Latinx community needed to share these stories and educate the next generation."

Sandoval gathered 21 peers to share their personal stories of challenges and successes in her new anthology book called "Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire and connect communities" published by Fig Factor Media. The book is a No.1 Best Seller on Amazon.

"The book is an eye-opener to highlight Latinx contributors to the quality of life for New Yorkers, gives a blueprint for younger generations of social workers, and presents inspiration for all in a quest for social justice and equality," she said. "This is a tribute to all the healers regardless of their field of practice. We are more than a monolithic representation. It highlights the journey and the beauty of a culture that is colorful and expansive. I am in awe of the brilliant authors serving our Latinx community."

The 21 authors who contributed their stories are the following:

  • Rosa MBramble Caballero, LCSW-R
  • Rosa M. Gil, DSW
  • Maria Elena Girone, MSW
  • Linda Lausell Bryant, MSW, Ph.D.
  • Maria Lizardo, LMSW
  • Laura Quiros, Ph.D., LMSW
  • Cindy Bautista-Thomas, Ph.D., LCSW, RYT
  • Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R
  • Edith Chaparro, Ph.D., LCSW-R
  • Karen Ciego, LCSW
  • Jasmin Collazo, DSW, LCSW
  • Andres Gomez, MSW
  • Jessica Hardial, LCSW, MA
  • Yurilka A. Hernandez, LCSW
  • Luisa Lopez, MSW
  • Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R
  • Ingrid McFarlane, LCSW-R
  • Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW
  • Amelia Ortega, LCSW
  • Maria E. Ortiz, M.A., LMSW
  • Tania Vargas, LCSW

To encourage the Latinx community to enter social work, Sandoval explained that partial proceeds from the book will support social work students through scholarships and licensing exam fees for social workers applying for the licensure. She credits the generous support of The New York Women's Foundation and the Fund For The City of New York for making these financial avenues possible.

"We are in dire need of more Latinx social workers," she said. "Our community needs us."

Lopez, a featured author and president of the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund, is cognizant of the positive impact this book will have for readers.

"I am honored that the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund was selected to be the recipient of book proceeds, which will go a long way in ensuring that there is a vibrant and robust pipeline of Latinx social work students ready and able to serve in our most vulnerable communities."

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer congratulated Sandoval, the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund, and all the contributing authors on the book launch.

"Social work professionals must be equipped to work with a population that increasingly speaks Spanish, lives in mixed immigration status households, and navigates government and social systems that further marginalize them," Brewer said. "'Latinx in Social Work' and the advocacy of the Latino Social Work Coalition is sounding the alarm on the value of Latinx social workers and how vital it is that more Latinx people can afford to pursue a career in social work."

For more information about "Latinx in Social Work," visit this website.

About Latinx in Social Work Inc.
"Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire and connect communities" is dedicated to amplifying the voices and business of incredible Latinx social workers. This is done through publishing a collection of personal narratives that amplifies and highlights the voices of Latinx social workers healing, leading, and inspiring while sharing their challenges and success and navigating their career in partnership with Fig Factor Media publishing.

About Fig Factor Media:
Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For information, visit http://figfactormedia.com/. ###

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SOURCE Latinx in Social Work