Emilio J Vargas

Emilio J. Vargas is a Puerto Rican author, speaker, and child and family advocate living in Connecticut. He made his literary debut with Creciendo a la Par: Crónicas de una Familia Inesperada, a memoir inspired by his family's real-life foster care and adoption journey. The book was later released in English as Growing Up Together: The Chronicles of an Unexpected Family.

Drawing from his personal experiences as a foster and adoptive father, Emilio writes stories that celebrate resilience, hope, identity, and belonging. His work is guided by a simple belief: every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and seen.

His children's poetry book, I Belong. This Is Me., encourages young readers to embrace who they are, believe in themselves, and recognize the unique value of their own story.

Beyond writing, Emilio speaks to families, educators, and community organizations about foster care, adoption, and the power of creating lifelong connections for children. Through his books and advocacy, he hopes to inspire others to lead with compassion and remind every child that they belong.

"Every child deserves to know: You belong."