Barrio Princess Format: Paperback

Consuelo Samarripa was born in San Antonio, Texas, among the first baby-boomers, was raised by Mexican immigrants and spoke only Spanish before attending public school in Texas.  Schooling was a challenge for her, learning English as a second language, but by high school she joined a writer’s group (where she met the future Elizabeth Berg) striving to express herself.  Education was a high priority for Ms. Samarripa, and she earned her BS degree when a young mother.  After entering the world of public speaking through Toastmasters International, where she received several honors at different levels, she became a professional storyteller of her cultural traditions, which is her full-time occupation today.  Samarripa is a board member of the Tejas (Texas) Storytelling Association.