J. DESIREE RODRIGUEZ

Although I have had the opportunity to be in broadcasting for over three years, #bvnn @black_video_news , this was my first live interview on national television 🤗 #fox13 Definitely blessed to have this opportunity. To shine a light on representation on literacy and why it matters for children, is a true passion of mine! Thank you @sorbonified and #mattmcclellan for this opportunity! I can’t wait to see what is next and the opportunities… Thank you @devinpaladino_3 for coming and seeing my vision! So happy to collaborate 🙏🏾 #tampaauthors #literaturematters #representationinbooks #tampalive #foxtampabay

Literature Matters provides underrepresented books to communities in need. Communities that lack diverse books will be supported through book distributions, key note speaking engagements and community events. #literaturematters #diversebooksforkids #authors #tampa

On nights I don’t know what to cook, and the weather is crazy, I make soups 🤗 Growing up my mother and grandmother always made #sancocho 😋 and other homemade soups. Now that I’m a mother, I try to find other ways to incorporate soups! I love to use @eatloisa seasonings because I know they are #organic and safe for my family. Loisa is also a small business and #Latinxfounded If you haven’t noticed I use their products in everything I cook. Go to their site and grab a jar, you won’t regret it. #drjdesiree #latinsoup #hispanicsoups #cleaneatsnocheats #vegansoups #vegtablesoup

Vlog: Lather + Bloom 💐 Although my drive was 3.5 hours [totaled me 7 hours that day], everyone was so nice! I took this trip for myself, and to really focused on a moment that was special for me. I didn’t know anyone there, didn’t know the food, location (thank God for gps); but the experience was amazing. For the past three years, I have used @soapsbyjah and have dedicated my body (from inside and outside), to natural products and foods. I also wanted to invest my money into warm and great people. #blackownedbusiness #womenownedbusiness I was excited when I walked in and saw flowers 💐 by @saysukiiflowers This woman is warm, and is educated about the beauty of flowers. She makes art out of flowers and is passionate about educating others on how to care for them. Although I garden and know about plants, Sukie taught me more. I will be including some of her techniques into my home! Both women, taught me skills and knowledge, and I am so grateful for their kindness and energy. We need more this in the world. Support their businesses and let’s continue to lift each other up through kinds, love, and light. #drjdesiree #vlogfloripa #naturalsoapmaking #flowerartwork #tampaflorida #ftlauderdaleevents

More often than not Latinx, Hispanic, African American, and Asian American Literature is not incorporated in K-12 required literature. Let's work together and change the narrative. As Americans, we embody cultures from around the world, it's about time our children read about them. ​ We are also collaborating with "We Need More Thinkers", a nonprofit literacy-education empowered organization, dedicated to providing knowledge boxes to communities in need. Their mission: We will use the tools of education to help raise our people to an unprecedented level of excellence and self-respect through their own efforts. A percentage of sales, will go towards, We Need More Thinkers.  ​ Literature Matters II - Virtual Conference, Saturday, February 26th 1 - 3pm | EST will cultivate, connect authors, and discuss the importance of diversity in literacy. Our collaboration will give parents, teachers, administrators, and the community an assortment of awesome stories.  *We will provide: Guest Speaker(s): Yesenia Rodriguez [IG: @yesenia.rodriguez.author] Community Organization: We Need More Thinkers [IG: @weneedmorethinkers] Custom Author Workshop: Casilya Smith [IG: @silthewriter]  and so much more! ​ Go to www.jdesiree.com/lm for author registration and for more information! #literaturematters #representationmatters #latinoauthors #blackauthors #asianauthors #literacymatters ​

Fox 13 Tampa Bay - Good Day Show with Award Winning, TV personality #SorboniBanerjee We discussed the Hillsborough County "Read Local" Expo, Alana's Great Dream Adventure, and becoming a young author at 17 years old! Take a look! #FOX13tampabay #AuthorJdesiree #readlocalexpo #hillsboroughcounty #Tampaauthors #childrensauthor

Literature Matters is about keeping children and their reading as the foundation, while also connecting the community. Are you an author? Community volunteer? Go to www.jdesireerodriguez.com/lm for more information. #literaturematters #volunteers #communityservice #selfpublishedauthors

Literature Matters is about incorporating culture and diversity into the classrooms, while also linking self-published childrens authors. Our children need to understand how important reading is and what it can do for thier future. When children see themselves in readings, they have the courage to try something new and excell in other content areas! Go to www.jdesiree.com/lm for more information and follow us on IG and FB at @jdesireecb #selfpublishedauthor #keynotespeaker #childrensauthor #literaturematters #cultureanddiversity