Celebrating Women of Excellence #IntlWomensHistoryMonth, Day 5 @YvetteMCalleiro @NonnieJules @RRBC_Org @RRBC_RWISA @Tweets4RWISA #RRBC

Today I’m celebrating…

AUTHOR, YVETTE M. CALLEIRO

NJ:  Hi, Yvette!  Thanks for joining me today!  First, a few questions to warm the atmosphere and for us to learn some things we probably don’t know about you.  I’m short on time and I’m sure you are, too, so let’s make this a quick one.  First question… when is your birthday?

Yvette:  March 7.

NJ:  If you have siblings, which child are you (first, second, third, etc.)?

Yvette:  I’m first for my parents but third for my dad (he has two children from a previous marriage).

NJ:  When did you begin writing?

Yvette:  I started writing stories and poems at 12 years old. I began writing with the intent to publish in 2010, I believe.

NJ:  Why did you begin writing?

Yvette:  As a tween, I began writing to express my thoughts and emotions. My middle school Language Arts teacher constantly encouraged us to explore our imagination, and I loved every minute of it. As an author, I began writing to share the lives of the characters living in my head. I wanted to create stories that my students, who were struggling readers, would enjoy.

NJ:  Please put these in order of importance to you: Faith, Family, Friends, Loyalty, Honesty

Yvette:  Family, Honesty, Friends, Loyalty, Faith.

NJ:  What is the one thing people who really know you might say about you to a stranger?

Yvette:  I always want the best for others.

NJ:  In three paragraphs or less, if you could, how would you change the world?

Yvette:  I would create free, yearly, mandatory parenting classes that focus on what a parent can expect for his/her child’s development at each year of the child’s life. Classes would be in person or online and would provide resources and support for struggling parents. Parents would then get a tax break for attending the classes and participating in quarterly discussions. This system would cover health care, developmental issues, education tools, mental and emotional support systems, etc. Organizations would be encouraged to provide supportive materials such as early childhood books, clothes, blankets, formula, etc. Investing in the care and education of our children would make the biggest difference in our society. The more we care about the mental, emotional, and physical well-beings of people, the better our world would be.

I would also change the value system of our societies. Careers that better society as a whole (teachers, law enforcement, fire fighters, social and health care workers) would be highly paid to encourage a focus on education, community, and well-being. Societies would focus on wellness more proactively so that illness is reduced. Healthcare systems would focus on educating society on how to prevent and cure illnesses instead of masking the symptoms.

These are the ways I would change our world if I had the power to do so. A girl can dream, right? 😉

NJ:  Yes, a girl can dream 🙂 Describe yourself in ONE word

Yvette:  Ever-evolving

NJ:  THREE words that others might use to describe you

Yvette:  Strong, successful, selfless.

NJ:  What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Yvette:  I see a perfectly imperfect woman who strives to empower herself to be a better version of herself every day.

NJ:  Three women who you admire – famous or otherwise. What do you admire most about them?

My best friend – Even though she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age, she focused on embracing positive energy and finding the beauty and wonder in life. She reminds me every day to find the silver linings in life.

My sister – She has an inner strength that has kept her grounded and in control of her destiny. She is overflowing with perseverance and is constantly in pursuit of new knowledge to help better her life and the lives of her loved ones. She is my rock.

My mother – Her childhood was not easy, but she found the courage to leave her situation. She supported my father in his career and traveled often, finding odd jobs to make life easier for us all. She worked hard to break the cycle of her past and raised my sister and me with love and encouragement. She pushes me to always be better.

NJ:  What is the legacy you’d like to leave behind?

Yvette:  I would want my legacy to be one that encourages others to live a life full of mindfulness, compassion, empathy, and love for others as well as one’s self.

NJ:  What contributions, if any, have you made to society?

Yvette:  As a teacher, I believe I have contributed to the learning of thousands of students. I have empowered them and educated them to be the best versions of themselves. When I sponsored Key Club, a community service and leadership organization, I contributed to cleaning up our environment, instilling a love of community and service in students, and building future leaders. As a creative writing club sponsor, I have provided a safe space for students to speak their truths and to embrace their authentic selves. As a human being, I participate in recycling and cleaning up the oceans as well as spreading awareness on issues close to my heart. As an author, I’m hoping my newest novel, HYPE, provides sexually abused survivors with the courage and strength to get the help they need.

NJ:  If at all, how has belonging to RRBC and RWISA helped you as a writer?

Yvette:  Belonging to RRBC and RWISA have improved my writing by sharpening my skills. Through the RRBC workshops and conferences, I have learned how to eliminate filler words and repetition. With my RWISA critique group, I’ve become better at descriptive writing and showing instead telling. I’ve also become better at blogging and sharing my works with others.

NJ:  What has belonging to RRBC and RWISA  brought to your life?

Yvette:  RRBC and RWISA have allowed me to feel part of a family of writers and supporters. I don’t know that I would have continued my journey in becoming a writer had it not been for their guidance and encouragement.

NJ:  Yvette, I am honored to know you.  Please accept these flowers from my heart to yours.

Friends, please visit Yvette’s RRBC Author Page to learn more about her and follow her social media.  More than anything, I’d like to ask that you pick up a copy of her book, “HYPE.”

Please click HERE to join me at, or after 12 midnight CT for Day 6 of my Women of Excellence Salute!

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