Leslie Carina Orduna
Leslie Carina Orduna, is a Mexican American poet, writer, activist, and fierce advocate for transformation and interconnection through the power of storytelling and ever-evolving present. Her unique voice illustrates identity, ancestral memory, and resilience of lyrical narratives. Through her writing, she bridges generations, offering a voice that honors the past and present while embracing her authenticity rooted in compassion and love, a positive role model, and leader in her community.
Come join us to read her story!
Con paz, Soso-Akalesh
Who is Leslie Carina Orduna?
Leslie Carina Orduna is a Mexican American Poet, activist, and badass fierce woman whose words and demeanor of her existence brings light into any space. She is spicy with a kick that will make you want to sit down and listen. Her soft and gentle approach when she speaks and the microphone on her hand, her words are mixed languages that represents her duality and diverse cultures.
Her belief in the power of art and compassion, spiritually led by her own affirmations, engages with community and organizing that brings an organic representation of who she is.
She is a protector of animals, earth, and historically excluded and marginalized communities.
Her soul is rooted in the earth and love.
She’s actively involved with several organizations that share similar visionary focus on uplifting the Latinx communities.
She is also inspired daily by her own culture and the ability to remain true to herself and has the adaptability mindset to collaborate with her surroundings.
When I heard her speak for the first time in a public event, it was the connection by the power of words and her sincere truthiness that even I could resonate. With the snap snaps of fingers in the space, I knew I had to get a story about her and who she is in our community. And so, here we are about to embark the journey with questionnaire and answer interview with Leslie, and I hope you as the reader and viewer you will enjoy a down to earth conversation.
Questionnaire and Answer Conversation
Personal & Artistic Journey
Q: What inspired you to become a poet?
A: Leslie Carina: I always loved reading and writing as a young child and it felt like a natural way of being able to express and release internal feelings. Words seemed magical, sort of like an entry or exit door - whatever was needed.
Q: How does your identity as a Latina and Indigenous woman shape your poetry?
A: Leslie Carina: It not only shapes my work, but it shapes my entire existence. It is the way I experience life and the way I maneuver through my day to day. My poetry reflects this and I'm able to incorporate themes, values, and traditions (new and old).
Q: Can you share a line of your poem that holds deep meaning for you?
A: Leslie Carina: “She tells me that the Monarcas - bright orange like the sun and black like the night - return to Michoacan every year in their beautiful migration because that is all they’ve ever known.” Poem titled ‘My Mother,’ October 19, 2024
Q: What are some recurring themes in your poetry, and why are they important?
A: Leslie Carina: To name a few - I like incorporating my indigenous history, I speak on themes of liberation from political constraints as well as my healing journey from trauma wounds. I feel like these are necessary because for me writing is a form of healing so creating stories from my experiences allows me to release while also giving myself the power to continue to move forward.
Q: What are some challenges you had to face as a Latina and Indigenous poet in the literary world?
A: Leslie Carina: I think recognizing the imposter syndrome that I hold and being able to understand where it came from and continuing the move into my best and truest self has been - A JOURNEY. In middle school and high school, I attended predominantly white schools, so I never saw people that looked like me in “professional” jobs. I’ve had to work hard to find myself in my adult years (still working on that).
Community & Representation
Q: what advice do you have for young poets from marginalized communities?
A: Leslie Carina: We need you; children need to hear your voice and see your faces, you belong!
Future & Vision
Q: How do you see yourself as a future of poetry in activism?
A: Leslie Carina: Well with the current political climate (rolls eyes) I think art (all forms!) has always been part of movements to fight for the people. This is no time to shy away from using those platforms as artists to demand what is rightfully ours. We deserve peace, access to a sustainable life and the ability to live freely within our respective identities. Poets will get louder, painters will get brighter, and voices will be heard!
Thank you, Leslie Carina, for sharing your thoughts and we hope this encourages you to explore and engage, using your voice to make a powerful statement that inspire change and awareness for yourself and your community!
You can follow her on her instagram!
Veronica cornejo
Strength in Every Form: The Journey of Veronica Cornejo
Veronica Cornejo is a mother, bodybuilder, and veteran- a woman who embodies resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication. From the uniform to the weight room, and through the everyday rewarding moments of motherhood, she has forged a path of strength in every aspect of life.
Here, you’ll find insights on bodybuilding, wellness, mental toughness, and the lessons she’s learned through service and sacrifice.
Whether you are seeking motivation, fitness tips, or a story of perseverance, Veronica’s words and experiences are here to inspire.
The Strength Within
Welcome to The Strength Within, a newsletter dedicated to resilience, discipline, and transformation. Veronica Cornejo- a mother, bodybuilder, and veteran-shares her journey of balancing strength in all forms, from the weight room to everyday rewarding moments in life.
I have known Veronica for quite some time. How we met? Well, at a military unit not far from home. When I first met her, she was and still is the most friendly, kindhearted human being I ever met. I was so inspired by her dedication not just serving her community through the military but the resilience of pushing physical and mindset boundaries of strength and reshaping the human condition with such grace and empowerment. I have been eager to create a newsletter about her story. And of course, I have sent her questions to answer through her language and visualization of who she is and what is it about her journey that could bring inspiration and courage for your own balance of joy, hope, and dedication to thrive!
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay unstoppable.
Interviewed Questions & Answers
Bodybuilding
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START BODYBUILDING?
A: Veronica: I started bodybuilding right after I had my son. I have been told numerous times that once you have a baby, life is different, and you should be happy with the body you have afterwards. It wasn’t exactly inspiring, and I challenged those thoughts by initiating myself into learning how the body works and the effects of postpartum. I soon learned that bodybuilding was achievable and not only that but anything you put your mind to. Life doesn’t “stop” when you have children. I was inspired and motivated if anything, to show and tell my son one day that mom didn’t listen to what others had to say and made her own successful path.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR TRAINING WITH OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE?
A: Veronica: That’s a great question, and I challenge those reading to answer this question, “what are your priorities in life and how bad do you want them?” Having strength and showmanship to represent that strength meant a big deal for me then. I’m rebellious in the sense that I refuse to let others author my story with the narrow thoughts some people have. When you want something bad enough, you have to trade other things for it. I am in college, with a full-time active-duty job, a single mother, photography, bodybuilding, and with a house I just bought by myself and maintain. I miss some things, but those sacrifices are worth the end goal, which is to be all I can be and there for those in my small circle of friends and family I love.
Female Veterans
HOW HAS YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO FITNESS?
A: Veronica: I would say my experience in the military has a huge influence on my approach to fitness. Right from the beginning in basic training, I was this small-town girl living under a rock yet earned honor graduate because of that discipline and positive mindset. There is nothing in life I can’t manage because I’ve put myself in challenging situations where I learned to be self-reliant.
Military Service
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
A: Veronica: I joined the military at 17 as a junior in high school, I came from a poor family with extraordinarily little resources for college, I was smart but not smart enough to get big scholarships. Military service was something I had thought about as a kid, but I was afraid. I was 97lbs and 5 foot nothing. I decided then, what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve always been a risk taker and I’m glad I did. College was paid for, more opportunities opened for me and the skills and values I have stemmed from being in such a respectable line of work.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT OTHERS IN THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY?
A: Veronica: When someone’s starting out in fitness and reaches out to me, one it motivates me! I’m happy to know that people reach out to me because there is some level of trust in my knowledge and experience. I support those by ensuring that even if they are just starting out, they are already 100% ahead of those who do nothing. It all starts in the mind and having a positive and dedicated mindset alongside support from someone who’s been down that path helps a long way. Years later I still maintain contact with those who first started out and support them in any way I can whether that’s through moral support, building a workout plan or training 1:1.
Motivation and Dedication
WHAT KEEPS YOU DEDICATED TO YOUR FITNESS GOALS?
A: Veronica: This is a good one! I stay motivated through lifestyle. It used to be “I want to look a certain way” to “I want to compete and test my strength” to “this is just my normal day to day now.” Fitness really is a journey, enjoy the highs and grind through the lows.
HOW DO YOU OVERCOME SETBACKS OR PLATEAUS IN YOUR TRAINING?
A: Veronica: Lots of this happens for sure. I get through the challenging times through discipline. It’s hard but sometimes you won’t be motivated, but you have to do some things in life to get to a place of success. It takes a bit of sacrifice to be above average, that’s just that. If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it, which makes it that much more rewarding!
Mental Toughness
CAN YOU SHARE A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO OVERCOME A SIGNIFICANT MENTAL BARRIER?
A: Veronica: Yes, so there was a time when I was pregnant with my son and multiple people would tell me that the body I had before is gone, it’s okay to settle with what you get, don’t expect to “bounce back.” Terrible things, I hated the fact that all these people were putting limitations on me, it was mentally wearing on me. So, after I had my son, I started working slowly on regaining my strength and the comments got even worse, alienating me to feel alone in my healing process. I worked through the mental barrier of feeling alone and unsupported and realized I didn’t want to “bounce back.” I wanted to be better than I’ve ever been in my life and that is what I did.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL RESILIENCE?
A: Veronica: I love this question, every now and then in life, I’m challenged with something that stresses my mentality like crazy ha-ha. In each one of those situations, I have learned something valuable or a lesson. Life is a perception and really what you think of it. What keeps me going through any mental strain is the temporary length of it. You might be struggling with something for a day, a month, even 6 months to a year but putting one foot in front of the other will eventually get you out of it. You’ll look back one day and realize how small it really was.
HOW IMPORTANT IS MENTAL TOUGHNESS COMPARED TO PHYSICAL STRENGTH IN BODYBUILDING?
A: Veronica: I would say throughout the entirety of my life; every single setback or challenge has strengthened my mental capacity over time. My mental toughness is surely stronger than my physical strength.
Other Questions I have asked Veronica
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR MOTHERHOOD, MILITARY, AND GYM TIME?
A: Veronica: Balancing motherhood, military and gym time is pretty simple... now.
It was tough in the beginning, my schedule was all over the place, but I finally got it down! While I’m at work in the military full time, I drop off my son at daycare in the morning around 6:30, workout for an hour, get to work by 9am, and that’s about it. Sometimes, when I don’t have my son, because I have split custody with his dad, I’ll go to work and then workout afterwards. I also have college classes, and work on that after dinnertime when my son is occupied with playing or watching a movie before bed or after the gym.
Competitions in Bodybuilding and Body Figure
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A BODYBUILDING COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: Preparing for bodybuilding competitions start 12 weeks before shows, it’s a huge mental toll, so I try my best to limit any stress by ensuring I follow a strict gym schedule, diet, and time for myself to recoup. I enjoy prepping because most of my life in those weeks are planned to a tee, so I always know what I’m doing, and my support system is there if I ever need anything.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR FIRST COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: I was so scared to go up on stage, I felt noticeably confident but still nervous to be judged and possibly messing up my routine. There’s nothing quite like going your first time, they separate you by “newness” and your backstage with the other girls who are going their first time as well. It turned out to be a wonderful experience, everyone was encouraging! Additionally, everyone’s reasoning behind why they started was also very inspiring, enticing me to do it again.
HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE COMPETITION SEASON?
A: Veronica: My end goal in competing was to see if I could do it, and it was tough at first but once you go through the process, you realize how strong you really are both physically and mentally. The thing that motivated me most was proving to myself that I could be better than I was before having my son. Today, it’s about maintaining strength and mobility.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ENTERING THEIR FIRST BODYBUILDING/BODY FIGURE COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: Enjoy the first-time newbie experience, watch your body grow from something average to something amazing and know that any progress made comes from 100% work and effort by yourself and that’s something to be proud of.
HOW DO YOU RECOVER AND RESET AFTER A COMPETITION?
A: Veronica: EAT. The first two days after competing are the best, I eat whatever my heart desires and it’s like I try food for the first time again ha-ha. Then it’s back to eating like a prep but slowly reintroducing more foods and varieties again for a couple of weeks until the body is back to normal.
This concludes our interview with Veronica Cornejo! You can follow her on her IG (Instagram) for more motivation and connection!
https://www.instagram.com/_veronicacorn_?igsh=dnBoYTR2dnhlN252
“WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?”
As we continue this journey of strength and resilience together, I’d love to hear from you. Here are some questions to reflect on:
Q: What does strength mean to you-physically, mentally, or emotionally?
Q: How do you balance personal goals with the demands of daily life?
Q: what are your biggest challenges when it comes to fitness, wellness, or personal growth?
Q: What topics would you love to see covered in future newsletter stories?
Your thoughts, experiences, and questions matter. reply to this email or connect with me on social media-I’d love to hear your perspective!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, STAY STRONG AND KEEP PUSHING FORWARD.
(I do not own copyrights to these images)
Trinette Montalvo
Get to know Trinette Montalvo, a mother of three, trainer, health and wellness specialist, bodybuilder, and hair stylist.
In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trinette Montalvo stands as an ideal of strength and inspiration. As an enthusiastic bodybuilder, a fervent gym trainer, and a loving mother of three, Trinette’s journey to wellness and health is nothing short of extraordinary.
From early morning workouts to balancing the demands of motherhood, Trinette embodies resilience and determination. Her story is a demonstration to the power of perseverance, showing us all that with the right mindset and dedication, achieving our health and fitness goals is within reach.
Join us as we delve into Trinette’s inspiring journey, exploring the challenges she has overcome and the triumphs she has celebrated along the way. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, Trinette’s story is sure to motivate and empower you.
Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow! Look at those muscles!” Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. I met Trinette Montalvo at a fundraising salsa event back in July last year (2024). I was enjoying the evening with my mother when she told me to check out these bodybuilders. The first thing I noticed was the legs.
An inspirational spark ignited inside me as I looked at Trinette, being a female, Latina, and the physique of her success. Living within the Grand Rapids city limits, I had no idea we had a group of women who competes and train for bodybuilding. I had the privilege of interviewing Trinette about her motivations, inspirations, and journey to where she is today.
Our interview Q&A
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE BODYBUILDING, AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
A: Trinette: I wanted a challenge and had rediscovered my love for the gym, so I sought the ultimate challenge for myself.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR BODYBUILDING CAREER SO FAR?
A: Trinette: I did exactly what I said I would, and it affected other areas of life and how many people I inspire that do not even compete. The effect I have on others is the biggest blessing!
Q: HOW DO YOU INSPIRE OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BODYBUILDING OR IMPROVING THEIR FITNESS?
A: Trinette: I showed them my before and after progress photos to be honest! It’s as simple as making that choice and not taking no for an answer! Have a fitness vision and don’t say yes to anything else.
Q: WHAT IMPACT HAS BODYBUILDING HAD ON YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM?
A: Trinette: It has put many things in perspective for me. As a single mom with a history of being overweight and experiencing abuse, I realized that if I could choose that lifestyle, I could certainly choose the opposite! I feel on top of the world, and nobody can take that from me. It has made my world so different.
ADVICE AND INSPIRATION
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN THAT ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING BODYBUILDING OR STRENGTH TRAINING?
A: Trinette: You don’t have to be in the gym all the time. Find what active workouts you like, engage into it and enjoy it to the fullest! Keep in mind the things it’s doing for you mentally when you are done. No regrets!
Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE NEGATIVE CRITICISM OR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FEMALE BODYBUILDERS?
A: Trinette: First, I laugh! Then, if I have the time, I like to show and share my story of how bodybuilding changed me. I was overweight and abused. I had low self-esteem. When I fed that 1%, it brought me here. You don’t have to be muscular because we are all different but having the concept of keep on going and knowing you have haters, shoot, give them something to hate. Because that’s all on them. It has nothing to do with our own goals and transformations. And that can be a hard pill to swallow. But you get what you really pursue and want!
BUSINESS
Q: IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN A TRAINING MENTOR, HOW CAN THEY REACH OUT TO YOU?
A: Trinette: I am reachable through IG (Instagram) and Facebook Messenger.
https://www.instagram.com/curls.n.quads?igsh=eXVsOXk2Y2RrbjA5
Q: DO YOU HAVE WORKOUT PLANS FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A GYM TRAINER?
A: Trinette: I have a whole program for all different body parts. I also have a coach I check in with every Sunday. (she takes the initiative to continue learning and developing her own style of workouts)
For now, this concludes our Q&A session.
I am super excited for Trinette and her continual development of bodybuilding. Follow her on IG! We will have a session in the near future! I will definitely link up with her for my physical wellness journey. Now, that’s another story for a later time. LOL
(I do not have copyrights to the images)