Maria (Lopez) Twena is a bicultural pioneer and award-winning ad and marketing executive. She was born in Miami of immigrant parents (Spain/Cuba), and raised in New Orleans in the 60s and 70s. Her parents spoke Spanish to her at home and taught her Latino values (interdependence); her school, along with American TV, taught her English and American values (independence). This duality caused friction, insecurity, and a greater sense of responsibility as she assisted her parents and older relatives with navigating life in the U.S. Maria believes that all children should see themselves and their life experiences in literature, and in the media in general, to drive a greater sense of inclusion and validation. This conviction was the impetus for the MariVi Master Navigator series, a longitudinal book and video series that follows MariVi, the bicultural heroine, and her family as they maneuver through life in the U.S. The MariVi series premieres exclusively on Nuestra.TV (a FREE streaming service) on April 18, 2023. Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Mass Communications. More information at wearemarivi.comRead more about this authorRead less about this author