Guadalupe Carolina Fonseca Jimenez founded the Lupita Foundation and created Lupita Inspires, a bilingual book series celebrating Latino heritage, family, imagination, and the power of dreams.

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Born Guadalupe but lovingly called Carolina by her family, she chose the name Lupita for the main character in her books because it is an endearing nickname for Guadalupe in Mexico and a symbol of her roots. She was brought to the United States at the age of two when her family came in search of a better life and the promise of the American Dream.

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Through the Lupita Foundation, Carolina hopes to expand the reach of the Lupita books and work with partners to gift them to students across the nation. The vision is bigger than one person. It is a collective effort to inspire children to understand themselves, strengthen family unity, and build loving and connected communities through storytelling, cultural connection, book readings, and shared conversations about dreams.

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The Lupita Foundation believes that when children learn to understand themselves, families grow stronger and communities grow more united.

Mike was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and grew up in the small town of Wake Forest. He later lived in Greenville while attending East Carolina University and spent time in Asheville between his undergraduate and graduate studies. Mike now lives in the Raleigh area, where he works in public service and remains deeply connected to the communities of eastern North Carolina.

He is the proud father of a daughter and shares his home with two cats, Clem and Dahlia. In his spare time, Mike enjoys running and staying active, often finding inspiration outdoors. He believes that our differences make us stronger and is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community.

Malia Campbell is proud to be from the Polynesian island of Samoa.  Her journey in America began at 5 years old when her dear Grandmother Aofia Tootoo wanted to provide a better life and opportunity for her.  Growing up in a military family, Malia has spent most of her years learning to adapt quickly and settling into new environments moving from state to state.  Despite all the transitions, North Carolina is the place she calls home. Malia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has served as a public service officer with Community Supervision for over 25 years.

Family is everything to her, and she enjoys attending her son’s soccer games, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and has recently developed a newfound love for playing pickleball. She hopes to continue honoring her grandmother’s legacy by helping children, just as help was once given to her, and considers it one of the greatest privileges of her life.

Lucy was born in Hickory, North Carolina, to a proud Mexican family, and her heritage has played an important role in shaping her values and perspective.

She now lives in the Raleigh area, where she works in public service as a digital communications professional. Through her work, she helps connect North Carolinians with information about protecting the state's natural resources and advancing environmental stewardship.

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An animal lover at heart, Lucy has cared for and fostered numerous dogs and cats over the years and enjoys giving animals a safe place to heal and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local restaurants, working on home improvement projects, and spending time outdoors with her Shih Tzu, Phil, and her Xoloitzcuintli, Reina. She is passionate about making information more accessible, serving her community, and finding meaningful ways to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Kayla Fonseca Mendoza is a dedicated youth leader with the Lupita Foundation, committed to empowering young voices. She is passionate about creating a positive and creative environment where young leaders feel confident to grow and express themselves. Through her creativity and leadership, Kayla uplifts others around her to share their ideas. She believes the youth can make a real impact and bring positive energy and creativity to the community!

Miguel Fonseca is a member of a youth leadership program who is passionate about personal growth, leadership, and building meaningful business opportunities.