A Celebration of Latinx Storytelling in New York City
A couple of weeks ago, I had the immense privilege of attending the inaugural LKBF Storytellers Conference, right in the vibrant heart of New York City. Even now, I’m still processing (and buzzing) from all of the incredible experiences, connections, and lessons I took away from that whirlwind of a weekend!
The conference took place at none other than Scholastic’s headquarters in SoHo (yes, the Scholastic!), creating the perfect space for Latinx creators – writers, illustrators, and storytellers – to come together, learn, and celebrate our shared love for storytelling.
Being at Scholastic’s HQ was particularly special for me, for so many reasons. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I vividly remember flipping through their magazine, reading the book summaries with wide-eyed excitement. I fell head over heels for one red dog named Clifford (you might have heard of him), and even though I came from humble beginnings and couldn’t buy many books, I saved up whenever I could just to buy a few.
And to this day, I still treasure my beloved Clifford toy (check out the pic below!). It’s a sweet reminder of how much those books meant to me—and to so many others!
With my financial educator hat on now, it’s funny to look back and see how those early lessons in saving really shaped me. Even then, I understood the joy of working toward something meaningful, and it’s a beautiful reminder that no matter where you start, the discipline of saving—whether for books, dreams, or future goals—can open doors and create lasting rewards.
From start to finish, the event was like a dream come true. I got to meet some of the most inspiring voices in the industry and connect with fellow creators who, like me, are passionate about using their words and art to bring our diverse experiences to life!
There’s something so powerful about gathering in a space where everyone understands the depth and richness of our heritage, and where our stories are not only welcomed but celebrated.
What Made the LKBF Storytellers Conference So Special?
The LKBF Storytellers Conference was designed to bring Latinx writers and illustrators together in community, offering them direct access to top industry professionals. From masterclasses to professional development sessions, the conference had something for everyone, whether you were an established author or an emerging voice looking to break into the industry.
For me, what made the event truly unforgettable was how perfectamente it combined craft development with community building. We weren’t just there to sharpen our writing; we were there to connect, share our journeys, and celebrate the unique stories that only we, as creators, can tell (wepa!).
It was a beautiful reminder that while our experiences may differ, there is a common thread that unites us—the power of storytelling.
Sharing with Latinx Kidlit Creators!
A Peek Into the Programming: Craft, Connection, and Industry Access
The conference kicked off on Friday with intimate masterclasses that set the tone for an inspiration weekend. I was fortunate to attend “How to Revise Your First Draft (While Keeping Your Sanity)” led by non other than the talented editor and author, Cheryl B. Klein.
With over two decades of editorial experience and a deep passion for children’s literature, Cheryl guided us through a transformative approach to revising—redefining the process as “Re-Visioning.” And let’s be honest, revising can often feel like climbing a mountain with no summit in sight, but Cheryl’s way of breaking it down into Vision, Examination, and Action made the process feel totally doable (and dare I say… exciting!). Her insights not only demystified the dreaded revision process but also helped us see our stories in a new light, with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.
Then came our lunch sessions, where we had an incredible menu to choose from: visits to some of the world’s largest publishers and literary agents. I was especially fortunate to be part of the group that ventured over to the New York headquarters of Hachette Book Group.
There, we soaked up invaluable insights from the wonderful team at Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. The amazing group of Jessica Anderson, Mary McCue, Angelie Yap, and Kelly Moran gave us the full scoop on the entire behind-the-scenes process of book publishing (gracias team!). From editors to communications, design to publicity, they walked us through how all these roles come together to transform a spark of an idea into a finished book ready for the shelves.
It was nothing short of inspiring to learn directly from these experts and see how each role is crucial in bringing a story to life. I walked away brimming with new ideas and a deeper appreciation for the craft and collaboration behind every book we read and love.
Behind the Scenes at Hachette
In the afternoon, I had the privilege (and pure joy!) of attending Donna Barba Higuera’s masterclass, “Pitch Perfect Middle Grade.” Not only was it incredibly fun, but it was also packed with nuggets of wisdom that I’ll be processing for un ratito largo. Donna—a Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award winner, and New York Times best-selling author (triple WOW!)—guided us through seeing our books as trees, with the roots representing what shapes our characters and their deepest desires. Honestly, she made it all click in a way that had us re-thinking our stories with so much depth.
Using examples from her own writing, Donna explored yearning, character development, voice, and pacing, helping us understand how to ground our stories in the emotional core of our characters. She encouraged us to ask “What if?” often and think way outside the box, letting our creativity flow wherever it wanted to go (no guardrails here!).
Donna’s openness in answering questions, sharing insights into her creative process, and giving us a peek into life as an author was truly inspiring.
As if that weren’t enough, she also shared her love of nature (her photo of the chicken coop was my personal fave). Naturally, I had to gift her a bookmark of my book, THE TREE OF HOPE 🌳—printed on seeded paper, of course. I hope those seeds find joy and flourish in her garden, just as her words have planted inspiration in my corazón!
A Moment with Donna Barba Higuera: Stories, Smiles, and a Seeded Bookmark
That evening, we gathered at The New School’s Tishman Auditorium for an event that was bursting with excitement and inspiration. The energy in the room was contagious—an electrifying blend of pride, hope, and determination.
The powerhouse panel of jefas that evening was a true highlight, featuring Esmeralda Santiago, the acclaimed author known for her memoirs like When I Was Puerto Rican; Jaquira Díaz, celebrated for her memoir Ordinary Girls, which explores identity, mental health, and resilience; and Alejandra Campoverdi, a former White House aide and advocate known for her work on women’s health and empowerment. The conversation was masterfully moderated by Jeanine Ramírez, an accomplished journalist and storyteller in her own right.
Each of these incredible women brought something special to the table—sharing not just their experiences in publishing but also the challenges they’ve faced (and trust me, I was glad I brought Kleenex, just like my Mami always taught me), their triumphs, and their hopes for the future of storytelling in our community and beyond. It was honest, raw, and left you wanting to pick up a pen (or your laptop!) to pour your heart into your own story.
As Latinx creators, we were reminded that our voices belong at the table. We are part of a thriving, diverse community of storytellers who not only deserve to be heard but have a rightful place in shaping the industry.
Surrounded by all this talent and passion, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmingly hopeful for the future of our stories and the impact they will make.
Las Jefas
Saturday was a whirlwind of excitement as the conference shifted gears into a more traditional format with keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and manuscript consultations—aka a writer’s dream day!
I was beyond thrilled (and a little nervous!) to have my manuscript critiqued by two incredible editors. The feedback? Spot-on—insightful, constructive, and exactly what I needed to hear. Though sharing my work felt like baring my soul, their expert guidance gave me fresh perspectives and a clear path to make my story shine even brighter.
One of my favorite sessions of the day was the Editors Panel: Lifting the Veil, from Acquisitions to Bookshelves, What Really Happens When Working with a Publishing Team. Moderated by the fabulous Saraciea Fennell, this panel brought together top editors from St. Martin’s Publishing, Flatiron Books, Little, Brown Books, and Primero Sueño (Atria’s new bilingual imprint), and they did not disappoint!
Their insights took us straight behind the scenes—like a VIP pass to the heart of publishing. From acquisitions to market trends, they spilled the tea on what they’re looking for, how they approach submissions, and what happens when a publishing team falls head over heels for a story.
It was eye-opening, entertaining, and honestly, the inside scoop every writer dreams of!
Behind the Pages: A Moment with the Editor’s Panel
And then, the highlight: the keynote with media icon and Pulitzer Prize winner María Hinojosa. Her words moved me to tears of joy and left me feeling deeply inspired.
In a conversation with talented LKBF co-founder, author, and journalist Mayra Cuevas, María spoke candidly about her journey, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of amplifying our voices.
María’s powerful reflections on her career, identity, and commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices resonated deeply with everyone in the room. It was a truly unforgettable moment that reinforced the power of stories to inspire change and create community!
They dynamic duo of Mayra Cuevas & Maria Hinojosa
Why This Conference Matters for Latinx Creators
Representation matters. For so many of us, finding spaces where we feel seen and understood is rare. That’s why the LKBF Storytellers Conference was so impactful—it provided a space where Latinx creators of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities could come together and feel like we truly belonged. The conference wasn’t just about honing our craft; it was about building community, offering opportunities for mentorship, and ensuring that Latinx voices are heard in the publishing world.
The Latinx community is vast and diverse, encompassing Afro-Latinx, Indigenous Latinx, Asian Latinx, and more. We are not one voice, but many. This conference recognized that richness and embraced it fully, allowing us to see the beauty in our collective stories while celebrating the unique perspectives each of us brings to the table.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As I reflect on my time at the LKBF Storytellers Conference, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful – gratitude for cada momento, each connection, and every bit of inspiración I brought back with me.
A huge GRACIAS to the organizers and volunteers who made the event possible – especially to the BRILLIANT LKBF Storytellers Conference Founders – Mayra Cuevas, Alex Villasante, Adriana Dominguez, Ismée Williams, Megan Jensen, Ines Lozano, Laura Diaz, Carmen Wright, Nayla Delgado, and Gaby Belt. And to all the professionals who shared their insights and knowledge—you were the dream team!
But above all, I’m grateful for my fellow creators who welcomed me with open arms. Hearing their stories, sharing my own, and feeling that shared spark of passion reminded me how powerful community truly is. There’s a unique strength that comes from lifting each other up, and this conference was a perfect example of that.
My heart is full, and my passion for storytelling feels more alive than ever.
As I move forward, I’m eager to pour everything I’ve learned into my writing and stay connected with the increíble comunidad of creators I met. The relationships formed at this conference are just the beginning, and I know that together, we’ll continue to push for greater representation and opportunities for Latinx storytellers.
Why? Because, as an important School Library Journal article highlights, even though Latinxs make up around 20% of the entire U.S. population, only 6% of children’s books feature Latinx characters (according to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center).
Those numbers just don’t add up (in fact, they break my ❤️). We have so many historias to share, voices to be heard, and worlds to open up for young readers. And that’s why what we do matters—BIG TIME!
So, if you’re a Latinx writer or illustrator looking for a space where your voice is celebrated and your stories are valued, trust me—you need to be at the next LKBF Storytellers Conference. It’s so much more than just a conference; it’s a community y hay una silla esperando por ti.
GRACIAS to everyone who made this experience so unforgettable. ¡Nos vemos el próximo año!
XOXO,
Anna
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Anna Orenstein-Cardona, Author & Certified Financial Educator
Anna Orenstein-Cardona is a bilingual Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), Wealth Coach, and Children’s Author. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and spent over two decades working in finance in the USA and Europe, before turning to writing for children.
Her debut children’s book, THE TREE OF HOPE (published by Beaming Books), has received significant acclaim. It earned a prestigious SLJ star, was named one of Bank Street College of Education’s “Best Children’s Books of the Year,” and was awarded “Most Inspirational” Children’s Book by the International Latino Book Awards. Additionally, in 2024, it was chosen as one of the top 4 picture books about “spectacular trees” by The Week Junior (USA).
Anna is an alumna of Faber Academy and an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), PB Rising Stars, and LAs Musas.
She shares her passion for financial literacy, creativity, and empowerment through her financial education & coaching business Wear Your Money Crown®.
You can learn more about Anna and her Author work at www.annaorensteincardona.com or follow her on Instagram (@wearyourmoneycrown) and Twitter (@BoricuaAnna).
