text: Lizette Epps, MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA, Executive Director of Community and Economic Development at Alvernia University's O’Pake Institute for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship, recently celebrated a significant career milestone: the publication of her first book, Our Voices: Little Stories Through A Latina Lens. This powerful collection of narratives highlights the resilience, cultural richness, and diverse experiences of Hispanic and Latine communities.
  “I wrote this book for several important reasons," Epps said. "One of the primary motivations was to ensure that people from my culture and communities like mine feel seen, heard, and appreciated. It was crucial for me to represent our stories and experiences in a way that acknowledges our value. I also wanted to offer those outside of my culture the opportunity to better understand who we are and to see us as people striving to build meaningful lives for ourselves and our loved ones.”
  Our Voices has been met with overwhelming success. Within its first year, the book has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including Best Young Adult Nonfiction Book and an Honorable Mention for The Dolores Huerta Best Cultural & Community Themed Book at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards. Epps’ work also earned first place in the Non-Fiction Category for Society & Social Sciences on Race, Class, Culture & Religion at the BookFest Book Awards.
  Reflecting on the success of her book, Epps says, “Winning multiple awards within the first year of the book’s release has been incredibly humbling. When I first set out to write this book, I hoped it would resonate with readers, but I never anticipated this level of recognition so quickly. I’m grateful for the support and even more motivated to continue sharing stories that inspire and create understanding across communities.”
  For Epps, writing this book was not just a professional goal, but a personal triumph. “I wanted to prove to myself, and to the younger version of me, that I could write a book with substance and impact. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, and as an adult, I saw no reason not to fulfill it. I firmly believe books are part of the legacy we leave behind to help others on their path, and I’m proud to know I’ve left my piece behind.”
  Epps was also recently honored with the 2024 Women of Influence Award by Lehigh Valley Business, an accolade that recognizes high-achieving women for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and commitment to mentorship.
  In addition to these accolades, Epps’ work has also attracted the attention of local leaders. U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, who represents Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district, including the City of Reading, met with Epps to discuss “Our Voices,” literacy initiatives, and the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage. Their conversation highlighted the shared commitment to uplifting diverse communities and fostering cultural understanding within the region.
  Epps’ work exemplifies Alvernia University’s Franciscan values of service, humility, and peacemaking. By amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and fostering greater cultural understanding, she lives out the university's mission to serve others with compassion and humility. Her commitment to creating dialogue through storytelling reflects the value of peacemaking, as she bridges cultural divides and promotes unity. Epps’ dedication to leaving a meaningful legacy through her work also aligns with the value of contemplation, as she thoughtfully reflects on her community’s experiences and contributions. In all these ways, she embodies Alvernia’s spirit of collegiality, creating space for diverse perspectives to be heard and appreciated.
  “These awards are not just a personal achievement,” Epps emphasizes. “They represent the voices and stories of those I aimed to highlight in the book. It’s been deeply gratifying to see how the message has connected with such a wide audience. More than anything, it reinforces the idea that our stories, no matter where we come from, are important, valid, and deserving of a platform.”
  Our Voices is available in both English and Spanish on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit breadthofhope.com.