HEY, HEY!
I’M NADINE— RESEARCHER, ADVOCATE, & YOUR PERSONAL CHEERLEADER.
I’m a passionate advocate for human connection, equity, and inclusion, and a published children's book author. I’m on a mission to build a brighter, kinder, and more inclusive future—one young reader at a time. TIME Magazine honored me as a Latino Leader: Driver of Tomorrow, recognizing my commitment to fostering positive change through my educational multimedia company, Mighty Kind.
In addition to running Mighty Kind, I partner with brands, nonprofits, and other organizations as a consultant to co-design systems, structures, processes, and messaging that ignite and support meaningful, sustainable, and equitable change.
As an author and speaker, I also visit schools to inspire students with engaging presentations on my books and the themes of diversity, social emotional learning, advocacy, and leadership.
I currently reside in Austin, Texas on Jumanos, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Lipan Apache, and Tonkawa Land and am proudly a queer, neurodivergent, biracial Latina, wife, and mother of four.
Let’s create a kinder world together!
PROJECTS & SERVICES
Let’s Do Some Good Together
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
“I had the pleasure of working in partnership with Nadine with her work at Mighty Kind and my work at Little Justice Leaders. Nadine is extremely knowledgeable about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as Anti-Bias Anti-Racist (ABAR) practices and education. She built an incredible socially conscious business, and her strategic and entrepreneurial thinking comes through in all that she does. Throughout our partnership, Nadine demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills that helped us create a meaningful collaboration. Anybody would be lucky to work with Nadine!”
- Shelby Kretz, Little Justice Leaders
I WROTE A NEW BOOK!
If You Ever Need a Friend: An Alebrije Story — 2024
Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing, my newest children’s picture book, If You Ever Need a Friend, tells the story of how young Joaquin is having a hard day and is feeling dismissed, unheard, and alone. On a magical journey, he learns to understand his needs and how to advocate for himself all while crafting the perfect magical companion alebrije, from Mexican folk art.
Click below for a chance to see more of the incredible illustrations by Mexican muralist Lourdes Villagómez, a free coloring page download, and educators guide!
MY FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK!
Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust & Strength — 2023
Published by Shadow Mountain, my debut children’s picture book, Only a Trenza Away tells the story of how little Xiomara feels her father’s love as he takes time to braid her hair each night and share imaginative bedtime adventures together. Along the way, she learns what it will take to face adventures on her own as challenges come her way.
Click below for a chance to see more of the incredible illustrations by Brazilian artist Camila Carrossine, a free coloring page download, and educators guide!
LOVE FOR TRENZA
“There are too many great things to say about this book for a written review.
I loved the bond between the father and daughter, the imagination that takes place each night as he braids her hair, the lesson of taking on things by yourself but having your families support and love, the breathtaking illustrations, the history of a braid/trenza, the cultural representation...
GAH! This book and these illustrations are excellent! I won’t be able to stop raving about this book!”
- Brittany Holly
Fun Facts About Me
(Even though you didn’t ask.)
FAVORITE FOODS?
Calamari, all things charcuterie, and any ice cream with a caramel ribbon runnin’ through it…
DREAM VACATION?
Back to Guatemala, but with my husband and kiddos this time!
FAVORITE COLOR?
Have you seen this MK color palette?! This rainbow of bright jewel tones sum up my favorite colors pretty well. ;)
FAVORITE FORMS OF STRESS RELIEF?
Meditation, family movie nights after raiding the gas station for snacks, trail walks with my pup Charlie and boxing.
FAVORITE SOCIAL PLATFORM
Noooooone. Social media is my kryptonite. But if I had to pick one….. Pinterest.
FAVORITE HOBBY?