From pen to paper, an internationally recognized author is helping put the Rio Grande Valley on the map.

Rosa Esthela Mora — a McAllen native — is taking her experiences and putting them to paper to inspire the world with her books.

“Having the opportunity to study abroad, and speaking four different languages, and meeting new people, I said, ‘I need to share that in the story,’” Mora said.

Mora said her love for writing began when she was in the sixth grade. She published her first book, “Becoming Sofia Bosco,” in 2021.

Becoming Sofia Bosco is a romance novel that shares Mora’s experiences on travel, love, and self-discovery.  

“For me, it was just writing one book and that's it,” Mora said. “But my readers approached me and told me they needed to know more about the characters, so I said, ‘you know what? I need to write the sequel.’"

The sequel, “The Sofia Bosco Effect” was created.

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Mora’s novels have won awards, such as from the International Latino Book Awards and the International Impact Awards.

Not only is Mora an author, but she's an international speaker, and an educator who teaches French and Spanish at Valley View ISD.

“Education for me means everything,” Mora said. “I firmly believe education enables us to appreciate the beauty of life."

Mora said she believes education can open doors to multiple opportunities, and encourages her students to follow their dreams. 

Mora said she's proud to be from the Valley, and even prouder to represent the area on the international stage.

“Here in the valley, it's a place where we have a lot of talent,” Mora said. “Most of us speak Spanish and English; we have this mix of cultures, and I think that makes us very unique."

Rosa Esthela Mora is Made in the 956.

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