When Liliana Espejel arrived in Wisconsin with only a suitcase and $50, she found a platform that let her ask, “Who am I without my achievements?”
Key points
- The Voices and Dreams Academy creates a supportive network for Latina and Black women to develop leadership and storytelling skills.
- Espejel’s narrative reframes the American Dream as an internal journey of identity rather than a pursuit of material success.
- Choosing to speak in Spanglish illustrates how language can deepen emotional authenticity and broaden audience reach.
The Midwest Mujeres Collective will host its annual Voices and Dreams Live storytelling event this Sunday at Madison’s Goodman Community Center, marking the graduation ceremony for its Voices and Dreams Academy—a program that mentors Latina and Black women in leadership, public speaking and entrepreneurship.
Liliana Espejel, a soon‑to‑be graduate of the Academy, arrived in the United States from Mexico four years ago after leaving a career that included commercial leadership, robotics engineering, and international education programs linked to NASA and Space Camp. She described the move as leaving behind what many would call a “perfect life,” yet feeling an inner mismatch she could not name until she arrived in the U.S.
A community‑focused storytelling night
In her interview with WPR’s Lee Rayburn, Espejel explained that the American Dream initially felt foreign to her. “It wasn’t about money or titles,” she said. “It became about who you are when you don’t have all your achievements.” She recounted the isolation of starting over with limited resources, no family, and a language barrier, emphasizing the emotional work of rebuilding identity.
Language emerged as a central challenge. When deciding whether to deliver her speech in English or Spanish, Espejel chose Spanglish, noting that speaking in her native tongue made her “more vulnerable” and allowed her heart to connect more directly, while English engaged her mind. This bilingual approach reflected her desire to reach both Latino and broader American audiences.
From NASA programs to a new life in Wisconsin
The Voices and Dreams Academy, according to Espejel, provided the community and coaching she needed to navigate these tensions. The program encouraged her to view her story as a tool for helping others, turning personal “soul pain” into purpose and offering a space where other women can share, inspire, and rebuild together.
Reader questions
What is the Voices and Dreams Live event?
It is an annual storytelling night organized by the Midwest Mujeres Collective that also serves as the graduation ceremony for participants of the Voices and Dreams Academy.
Who is Liliana Espejel?
She is a soon‑to‑be graduate of the Academy, a former commercial leader and robotics engineer whose career included work with NASA‑related education programs.
How does the Academy support its members?
The program offers mentorship in leadership, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, and fosters a community where women can share their stories and inspire one another.
Source: wpr.org