Daily Inspiration: Meet Maritza Higuera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Higuera

Hi Maritza, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Maritza Lynn Higuera, and I’m thrilled to connect with you! I was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. I am a proud mom of 4 children Camila, Kavel, Bella, and Maddox. Growing up by the border profoundly impacted me, helping me understand the struggles that many children and adults face when they migrate to a new country. After graduating high school in Mexico, I continued my education in Arizona, away from my family and loved ones, with the dream of learning a new language, exploring a different country and culture, and becoming a teacher.

During that time, I noticed the need for bilingual children’s books. I started to think about how to create a bilingual book that offers children the opportunity to engage with the content while learning a second language. That’s how I created my first book, If I Eat My Fruits and Vegetables, an interactive book that discusses the benefits of healthy eating, available in both English and Spanish. My second book, Fire Heroes, is also bilingual and focuses on how families wait for their firefighters to return home safely after being away. It includes important fire safety tips. Being a proud wife of a Fire Captain helped me understand all the hard work and dedication that goes to being a Firefighter or Fire Heroe.

As a bilingual children’s book author and educator, I have had the honor of working with children and families for over 20 years. In my current role as a Health and Nutrition Coordinator for the Head Start Program, I provide services for families and children, and I find it incredibly rewarding to make a difference in their lives. I’ve been fortunate to have diverse experiences that have allowed me to connect with people in meaningful ways.

In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, running, volunteering in my community, and reading to children at my ranch in Rio Rico, Arizona. Spending time with children is the most rewarding experience for me, and it brings me so much joy to share my love of books with them. During the release of my new book, Fire Heroes, I was thrilled to become one of the top ten best-selling authors.

In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to create the first mobile library for Santa Cruz County, thanks to the support of Santa Cruz County Superintendent Alfredo Velasquez. This project is close to my heart because I believe that every child should have access to books and the opportunity to learn and grow.

In 2023, I had the chance to speak with Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani about the importance of bilingual education and even contributed to writing a bill on the topic. As an early childhood advocate, I care deeply about the importance of nutrition during early development and introducing a second language to new generations. I love writing bilingual books to help children and families who are learning a second language or aspire to learn one, giving them the chance to see and understand different languages in the same book.

Thank you for connecting with me and letting me share my story!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has not been a smooth road. I worked two jobs to pay for school and cover my living expenses. All that while, I was missing my family and adjusting to a new place I didn’t know. I also had to learn reading, writing, and English as a Second Language (ESL) to join school and pursue my bachelor’s degree in education. Despite the challenges, I worked hard and persevered, ultimately graduating with a degree in early childhood education.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a bilingual children’s book author specializing in writing educational books in English and Spanish with interactive pages that allow children to practice what they’ve learned. I am incredibly proud to share that my book, Fire Heroes, became a worldwide best-seller, reaching #7 on the best-selling children’s book list. What sets me apart is my passion for sharing my story about learning a second language and engaging children to be proud of who they are. Through my educational stories in both languages, children can learn and grow as they explore the pages.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When I think about being a risk-taker, I believe it’s essential for personal growth. Taking risks challenges us, helps us reach our goals, and teaches us more about what we can accomplish. Moving to a different country was a significant challenge for me, especially since I didn’t have family nearby. But I had hopes and dreams of building a career in education. My dream was to speak English and communicate fluently in both languages. Through hard work and determination, I achieved my goals and got to where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maritza.lynn?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All pictures are from my phone Maritza Lynn Higuera