Overview

By all accounts, author Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán has led a remarkable life full of accomplishments. Well known as an educator and dedicated champion for women impacted by domestic violence and social and economic inequalities, she has blazed a trail of success and passion.However, success did not come easily. As the Puerto Rican daughter of immigrants, Cabán came of age in the tenements of the Lower East Side (Alphabet City) and in the Bronx. She was surrounded by poverty, abuse, and witness to domestic violence time and time again. Through these childhood events, and on into adulthood, Cabán would become acutely aware of the cycles of violence women may find themselves in, particularly women of color and, closest to her heart, her Latina sisters. In this wide-ranging and often heart-wrenching memoir, Cabán weaves her personal experiences and lessons from her survival with her deepest wish to change the course of these cycles of abuse for women everywhere. Ultimately, she succeeds in shining a light on a reality often kept in the shadows, and offers hope for a way out and a better tomorrow. The human experience can be fraught with trauma and risk, but as Cabán shows us, these experiences can also drive us to be the force behind real change for the better. A bruised and broken heart can become the heart of an advocate... and advocates can make all the difference!

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9781954493551

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Reviews

""The Heart of an Advocate is a thought-provoking and deeply moving book that explores the world of a troubled young girl through the eyes of its author. With passion and conviction, Dr. Caban takes readers through the heart and soul of her incredible life journey, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and enduring spirit that drive individuals to fight for what they believe in. Her personal touch adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable to a wide range of readers, and adds a layer of authenticity, making it a true reflection of the human experience."" -Harsh Jadhav, University of California & Berkeley College Professor ""The Heart of Advocate evokes long overdue discussion within the global community, not just among Puerto Ricans. Liberation against all forms of human degradation begins within the most fundamental institution: the family. The story takes the reader through her developmental milestones and traumas that she encounters during her journey. Like a skillful ballet dancer, Vilma engages, shifts, and directs her movements to depict a coherent story that is both beautiful and painful. This literary gem continues in the rich tradition of Esmeralda Santiago, Piri Thomas, and countless other stellar Puerto Rican authors from the diaspora who spoke bravely of their human experience. As a father and activist, it is my hope that Vilma's story will resonate at dinner tables, cafes, spiritual centers, living rooms, and wherever people congregate so that it may inspire open and frank dialogue on how we can honor and respect each other's dignity, human rights, and collective humanity."" -Teodoro Anderson, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services & Springfield College Professor ""As a male School Social Worker I see the impact trauma can have on a child's brain development and ability to overcome adversities. Young people are told to ""suck it up"" and ""deal with it"" and the healing from these mental wounds are ignored. Your story is empowering and a great read for all. I strongly encourage everyone to take a look at this one."" -Michael Mitchell, SW & Contributor to Psychology Today ""Beautiful book to inspire yourself or others to cultivate your heart of an advocate by following the journey of Dr. Vilma Caban!"". Author Melissa Coss Aquino ""In her memoir, educator, activist, and advocate, Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán, chronicles the journey from her mother's womb to LIFE's classroom. She captivates the readers with her harrowing childhood experiences with domestic violence. In this traumatic environment she was forced to fight against, defend others, and escape from situations that no child or woman should ever encounter. Dr. Cabán would go on to use her pain, words, and education to advocate for the marginalized and voiceless. Her teacher's heart and scholarly brilliance shines when she speaks to the inequity in math education and the global research she engaged in to close that gap on a local level. This deeply personal and moving memoir will inspire all women, but particularly Latinas who struggle to rise above violence of any kind. You will be emboldened to go from survivor to thriver, so you too, can defend, empower, and advocate to new heights. Brava Dra. Cabán!"" - Rachel Torres, Educator, Historian, and Civil Rights Advocate.

Author Information

Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán is a dedicated educator with over 30 years experience in Westchester County, New York. She began her humanitarian journey as an educational researcher close to 15 years ago. Her most recent book captures a teacher's journey as a humanitarian advocacy researcher. She is a strong supporter of national and international volunteer initiatives working with underprivileged communities. As an educational consultant for various non-profit organizations, Vilma traveled extensively to train educators with the People to People Ambassador Program at the Royal University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; The Teacher Professional Center in Cairo, Egypt; and The Ho Chi Minh University in Vietnam. In addition, Vilma presented findings on Latino education for the American Educational Research Association. Working with an international non-profit organization, she led program evaluations commissioned by Equality Now, Inc. (Nairobi Office). She evaluated a Kenyan girls rescue center utilizing grassroots efforts to save child brides from the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM) as well as offer the rescued girls an education in private schools. Vilma Luz's research in Morocco and Guatemala examined the global epidemic of street children and orphans. Vilma has traveled to the Dominican Republic to conduct research on domestic violence and its impact on women and children. With the help of local/regional senators, councilmen, community advocates, and other dignitaries, she led empowerment workshops and trainings to help women develop a School Uniform Cooperative. For the past several years, she has supported organizations that seek to offer resources for victims seeking political asylum from domestic violence in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Cabán has served as an expert witness in different courts in Massachusetts supporting these victims. ""The Latina Project: Using the Educational Path to Break the Silence of Domestic Abuse"" examines domestic abuse among Latina immigrants, and the importance of opening educational pathways for children living with domestic violence. Dr. Vilma Luz Caban is the executive producer of the documentary La Casa de María Contra la Violencia Doméstica. It was filmed in various cities in Puerto Rico. The film chronicles her story as the daughter of a battered woman. Vilma tries to fulfill one last promise as her mother's champion and advocate. In November 2023, she hosted the premiere of this documentary with Director Joe Negron. She is grateful for the support she is received from The Bregamos Community Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut. In September 2024, as a way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month and Domestic Violence Awareness, it was shown at The City University of New York at the Bronx Community College Campus. In the Spring of 2025, Dr. Caban intends to share it at the historic Schomberg Research Center in Harlem, New York City and at the Bronx Documentary Center. Dr. Andrés Torres wrote the foreword of The Heart of an Advocate. He the author of several books Signing in Puerto Rican"", The Puerto Rican Movement: Voices from the Diaspora, and Revolution Around the Corner. He is a retired economist, professor, advocate, and historian. ""What begins as a coming of age story in an immigrant household evolves into a grand journey toward understanding and meaning as we follow Vilma's later years. I think Vilma is speaking directly to her Latina sisters who have had to deal with domestic abuse. These women will connect powerfully with the personal history rendered here. But there are other audiences who will benefit from this remarkable account: practitioners and advocates in the field of gender-based violence who will learn of the specific experiences of Latina women. As someone who knows the joys of being a father, I so hope this story will reach many male readers. For the men, who after all hold up the other half of the world, this book just might help develop a sense of empathy with their hermanas and guide them to make sensible choices in this life.""Dr. Andres Torres

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