Feria del Libro Oregon Book Fair: Literature with an impact
A celebration of culture, diversity, and literature filled the room as more than 400 people experienced the first annual Feria del Libro Oregon Book Fair on July 20th. The fair included cultural dances, theatrical performances, book exhibitions, art expositions, poetry contests, and more.
Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting partnered with the Mid Valley Literacy Center to host the event, with the goal of cultivating a rich love for literature and culture. The event featured presentations in both English and Spanish, honoring Salem’s diverse community. Lucy Escobar, founder and principal of Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting, dreamed up Feria del Libro two years ago when preparing to write her second book, The Art of Personal Fulfillment. “I envisioned a platform where authors, writers, and artists could come together to share their work and foster a love for reading,” Escobar said.
Escobar and the Mid Valley Literacy Center set their goal to bring 25 authors and artists together, but the event outgrew its expectations. They expanded to include 50 participants, sharing books, giving educational presentations, offering theatrical entertainment, and inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. She also mentioned that they planned for 300 attendees, and were pleasantly surprised when around 450 people came to take part in the celebration.
Escobar’s passion for this event stems from her legacy of empowering people to live their best lives for the good of the community. For seven years now, she has developed leadership roles as a business consultant, project manager, and leadership coach through her business, Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting.
As a child in Torrance, California, Escobar described acting as the “voice” for her parents. This sparked a passion for serving the diverse communities whose voices are often suppressed or ignored. Escobar’s legacy of success in the banking industry provided an opportune platform to live out that passion. “As a child, I would visit the bank and dream of becoming a businesswoman like the ladies I admired there,” Escobar said. “I envisioned myself with pretty nails and high heels, immersed in the world of banking. By the age of 19, I turned that dream into a reality.” After 20 successful years in the banking industry, including tenure at one of the top-five banks in the U.S., Escobar transitioned into the consulting industry, equipping others to write their own story, just as she had done.
As part of her commitment to developing leaders, Escobar partnered with Training to Impact to provide an incoming college student with the $1,000 Lucy Escobar Scholarship. The scholarship was publicly awarded at the Feria del Libro Oregon Book Fair.
The Feria del Libro event was born out of Escobar’s desire to build community wealth. To Escobar, community wealth building is far more than financial gain. It’s about cultivating a vibrant culture of unity and diversity, where people are empowered to do what they were meant to do. “I believe that when communities are empowered, they have the potential to change the world,” Escobar said.
The event empowered authors, artists, and educators with the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with an audience. It empowered local community members, young and old, with a deep appreciation for literature and a positive vision for the future.