COLLECTIVE THE PORTUGUESE
ARMINDO ANSELMO ARMINDO ANSELMO
PHOTO CREDIT BY: BY: Snaps of Life - EC Photography
ABOUT THECOVER
Proudlyrootedinhisheritage,Armindoisthe son of parents from Terceira, Açores an island steeped in culture, history, and traditions.Despitehisyoungage,heexhibitsa profound and joyful connection to his roots, whichhisfamilyholdsdear.
When it was time to celebrate his third birthday,thethemewasano-brainer.Drawing inspiration from his genuine fascination and lovefortheculturaltraditionsoftheAzores, his special day revolved around the iconic Tourada. This meaningful theme naturally inspired a memorable photoshoot that beautifully captured his passion and personality.
Armindo's enthusiasm for all things toiros radiatesbrightly whetherit'stoirosdepraça or a corda. He is enthralled by the vibrant capinhas,thecourageofthetoureiros,andthe spirited essence of the forcados. His excitementispureandheartfelt,reflectinga connection to tradition that transcends his years.
With the blessing of having a praça in their own city situated in a place close to their hearts hisparentsrecognizeditastheideal backdroptocelebrateboththeoccasionand his cultural pride. Witnessing Armindo embrace and honor his heritage fills them with admiration and joy His love for his culture,traditions,androotsservesnotonly asinspirationbutalsoasabeautifulreminder of how deeply identity and heritage can resonatewithinthenextgeneration.
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
SILVIA MANUELA COSTA
PROOFREADER/COPY EDITOR
JENNIFER RAPOSA LUEDTKE
CONTENT SUPPORT
SNAPS OF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
DAN ROCHA
PFSA
PORTUGUESE TRIBUNE
FEATURES
ARMINDO ANSELMO
ERICA CARDOSO
FESTA GEAR
JENNIFER BETTENCOURT
DELLAMARIE PEREIRA
JULIE COSTA LANGLEY
CME LLC
PORTUGEEK
CREATORS
NASTASYA
JULIA MACHADO
RESIDENT STORY TELLERS
NEZIA D.
ANTHONY ESTEVES
FASHION EDITOR
CLAUDIA AVILA
From The Editor
My name is Silvia, and my passion has always been to celebrate and uplift our Portuguese community. As the host of The Portuguese Collective Podcast, I’ve made it my mission to create a space where Portuguese creators, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers can share their journeys, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Our stories matter, and I believe in preserving our culture in a way that makes younger generations feel connected, inspired, and proud
This magazine is an English-language publication created by us, for us! A safe place where the children of immigrants can shine without ever feeling like they aren’t “Portuguese enough” to celebrate their roots. This platform is about recognizing those who work tirelessly to keep our Portuguese communities alive across the United States and Canada. Every article, feature, and story is brought to you by the journalists, writers, and creators within our own community, and we encourage you to support them in every way possible
Whether it’s following them on social media, engaging with their work, or simply letting them know you appreciate their efforts, your support makes a difference. These creators are doing incredible work to keep our traditions alive, and together, we can ensure that our culture not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
Silvia Manuela
Erica Cardoso
Born and raised in Artesia, California, Erica Cardoso’s story is deeply rooted in Portuguese traditions and culture that shape the community she proudly calls home Her love for heritage began as a child stemming from her parent’s birthplace, Terceira Açores. From an early age, Erica has been actively involved in preserving culture, participating and supporting community events, and giving back through service that spans decades
Erica has centered her love for culture and traditions at Artesia Divino Espirito Santo Her journey began as a youth and helped form her strong sense of leadership and commitment Erica had the opportunity to represent Artesia D.E.S. as Junior Aia in 1990 and later Senior Aia in 2001, experiences that fostered lasting friendships and a dedication to cultural involvement As a teen she joined Grupo Folclorico Retalhos Antigos where she was an active member into adulthood, further strengthening her connection to her Portuguese heritage and community engagement not only in Artesia but throughout California She has also been a participant of Danças de Carnaval in her younger days and Marchas de São João, proudly celebrating Portuguese culture through music, dance, and community festivities
“Takeprideinyour heritage,actively participate,lendahand, andvolunteerwithout waitingforaninvitation. Thedifferenceyoucan createandthepowerit addstoacommunity oftenstartswithjust takingthatfirststep forward.”
In 2008, Erica stepped into a leadership role as a Director for Radio TV Artesia, contributing her time and talents to supporting local media and ensuring community voices and traditions continued to be shared and celebrated To this day, Erica supports yearly with volunteering at the annual Fado Dinner Fundraiser. Her service extends into family and organizational leadership as well Erica proudly served Artesia DES alongside her husband, Norberto, during his terms as the Soccer Director in 2011 and again as President in 2019, offering steadfast support behind the scenes and contributing to the success of each term Erica’s dedication to service is especially evident in her administrative leadership She served as Secretary for Festa de Fátima in 2014, a role requiring organization, commitment, and a deep respect for one of the community’s most meaningful celebrations She later continued this work as Secretary for Festa da Bola in 2019 and again in 2025, demonstrating both trust from the community and a willingness to step forward when needed
Erica Cardoso
Yearsof dedication
Beyond formal titles, Erica has provided services through her professional talents. For over 20 years, she has been a longstanding hairstylist for the young ladies representing Artesia DES and neighboring communities as Queen and Aias, helping them feel confident, proud, and polished as they represented the community at important events.
COMMUNITYSERVICE
Erica Cardoso
ERICA CARDOSO SNAPSOFLIFE: ECPHOTOGRAPHY
In more recent years, Erica has embraced modern ways of supporting community spaces From 2023 through 2025, she supported social media efforts for Artesia DES, helping promote events, connect members, and bring greater visibility to community activities through digital platforms This opened a door to further her creative desire personally and launch Snaps of Life EC Photography, that allows her to celebrate people & genuine moments. She is proud to have photographed her first festa in 2025 for Chino Valley D.E.S.
Through every role whether leading, supporting, organizing, or promoting Erica Cardoso exemplifies what it means to serve with heart Her lifelong dedication reflects a deep love for the Portuguese Community and a commitment to ensuring its traditions, organizations, and sense of togetherness continue to thrive for generations to come
NOITEDECONJUNTOS NEWARKPAVILIONMARCH 7TH
@mycollectivemedia
Collective Media Entertainment LLC (CME) was created with one purpose: to build platforms that honor, elevate, and amplify the Portuguese community in a modern and meaningful way
Founded by Silvia Manuela Costa alongside partners Nelson Medeiros and Andre Pio, CME serves as the umbrella company behind The Portuguese Collective and its expanding media branches including live event production, sound, visual storytelling, marketing, and digital media
What began as a passion for storytelling has grown into a full-scale media and production company dedicated to capturing the heartbeat of our culture. From magazine publishing and podcasting to live sound, video production, and community events, CME exists to ensure our stories are told professionally, creatively, and with pride
Through every event, every publication, and every production, Collective Media Entertainment LLC is committed to bridging generations, supporting local talent, and creating opportunities for Portuguese voices to be seen and heard.
Through cinematic visuals and modern production techniques, we transform traditional gatherings into immersive experiences. Whether it’s a festa, gala, or large-scalefestival, we handle the sound, shape the visuals, and market the moment all under one collective vision
We don’t just capture events. We produce them. We amplify them We evolve them.
COLLECTIVE. MARKETING. SOUND. VISUALS.
Collective Media Entertainment (CME) brings marketing to the forefront of every event in today’s digital world
We blend cultural storytelling with smart digital strategy from social media campaigns and branded promotions to live-stream integration and commercial-style direction Our goal? To make sure your event doesn’t end when the lights turn off. It lives on.
CME specializes in professional sound engineering, live concert production, studio recording, and audio enhancement. We produce live band performances, provide full sound support for festivals and fundraisers, and offer high-quality recording services for artists ready to level up.
COLLECTIVE FIELD TRIP
Owners of Collective Media Entertainment LLC traveled to Anaheim in Southern California, where they deepened their expertise in sound, audio, and marketing. They are continually elevating and expanding to adapt alongside the community, exploring innovative methods to significantly enhance their productions for events.
JENNIFER
B E T T E N C O U R T
Jennifer Bettencourt is a Luso-Canadian fadista who unexpectedly embraced fado.
JENNIFER
Jennifer Bettencourt had been singing all her life, but when she was fifteen, she heard Fado call her She first began sharing her singing on YouTube, where she covered her favorite songs, and in 2010, she went viral with her cover of Deolinda’s Passou Por Mim e Sorriu While she’d been staunchly ignoring her Luso-Canadian roots, the siren’s song of Fado proved to be too strong to ignore, and over a decade later, Jennifer has fully embraced Fado, which flourished into a bona-fide passion
From spotlights in local LusoCanadian TV shows and radio stations, to performing for large-scale events, collaborating on multi-cultural, multi-lingual projects and documentaries, to becoming the voice of a Scotiabank commercial, she’s truly wrapped Fado around herself, and dons that musical mantle every day To top it all off, she had the privilege of opening for acclaimed artists like Ângelo Freire, Rodrigo Costa Félix, Marta Pereira da Costa, and Nathalie Pires
Her dreams, which had once been centered around rockstars and divas, have now shifted to bringing fado to an audience as big and as diverse as that of her current home, Toronto. She plans to release her debut album in the coming year, featuring some of her fado favorites, as well as older, forgotten gems, and sparkling new originals, and hopes to soon submit a song to Festival da Canção (Portugal’s precursor to Eurovision).
OUT NOW!
You can find more information, announcements, and upcoming live performances on Instagram at @jennifersingsfado
Luso-Canadian Fadistabased inToronto, Ontario.
DebutAlbum:SANTOSBETTENCOURT
NUNOBETTENCOURT
CONGRATULATIONS - PARABÉNS!
NunoBettencourtaddsanotherGrammytohislegacy.Aproud momentforPortuguese-borntalentontheglobalstageandapowerful representationofourcommunityinthemusicindustry.Parabéns!
SLO DE VIE SLODEVIE
Lisboa fashion week march 7-9
A Season of Sustainability and Experimentation
This season, Lisboa Fashion Week places sustainability and experimental design at the forefront. Designers continue to push creative boundaries while honoring craftsmanship—redefining modern Portuguese fashion on the global stage. designers to watch:
Mafalda Simões
Luis Carvalho Dino Alves
FORA
TREND REPORT
MODA
By: Claudia Avila
Alameda Turquesa
Liliana Guerreiro
LuisCarvalhoxIsabelAbreu
Mafalda Simões
Dino Alves
Marques Almeida
FASHION EDIT
EMILY IN PARIS
The Hana handbag, crafted by the Portuguese brand Alameda Turquesa, makes an appearance in the internationally acclaimed series Emily in Paris, which has recently released its fifth season on Netflix. The accessory makes an appearance in episode 4 of the latest season, blending effortlessly into the show's wardrobe and storyline. Its inclusion enhances Alameda Turquesa’s rising international prominence, showcasing the brand's connection to sophistication, creativity, and modern aesthetics.
Cheirar é lembrar!
NEZIA D.
Resident Tpc storyteller
Nezia brings warmth, tradition, and a dash of nostalgia to The Portuguese Collective Magazine From cherished family dishes passed down through generations to memories that capture the heart of our culture, Nezia’s contributions are more than just food they’re a celebration of heritage. Her passion for keeping Portuguese flavors and traditions alive shines through in every recipe and every tale she shares
MASSA SOVADA
There is music, there are places, and there are smells that will always remind us of our childhood, our culture, our traditions. They carry such a special place in our memory and they easily transport us to our Vavó’s kitchen, an annex back home, a kitchen table surrounded by our loved ones, or the simplicity of our mother’s arms kneading dough. For me, it's the latter. . . the sound of kneading dough for Massa Sovada (Portuguese sweet bread) with its perfume of lemon rind, yeast and buttery goodness and the anticipation of the Festa or special occasion that was on the horizon.
There is a humbling feeling about growing up the eldest daughter of Immigrant parents from São Miguel; Vila France do Campo, to be exact. The traditions carried on by my parents who transcended the ocean to their new home, ignited during special moments such as the Festas and events that connected them to the nostalgiathey felt
As we enter the Spring and Summer months, the months where Festas are at their peak my heart is reunited with those special times where we dressed up, deep cleaned our homes, fixed our gardens, shared a special Festa meal that coated our home with the aroma of love, our home filled with loved ones, often some surprise visitors too, coming to fuel their nostalgia as well
There is something about the smell of Massa Sovada that brings me back to those days. The Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, Festa do Senhor Bom Jesus da Pedra; and of course, the celebration of Pentecost-O Divino Espirito
Cheirar é lembrar!
My father would recall a special story about his childhood During Pentecost families would call upon children from the community to join them in their family procession for their Dominga. My father would gather his friends; they would dress up in their humble Sunday best and join the processions, often barefoot (very common then ) They would help the host family carry bandeiras (flags), trays of bread or meats, baskets of flowers, candles, whichever task was needed to guide the procession to church and to the next home to be honoured by the presence of the Holy Spirit
I remember being surprised that my father and his friends would want to participate, his response was simple, “Os docinhos e as pombinhas de massa!” Family’s would often prepare special treats, Queijadas de leite (Milk tarts), Bolinhos de arroz (Rice cakes), Sospiros (Divinity), bolos (cakes), and of course Massa Sovada, often shaped into handheld bolinhos or “pombinhas” little knots of dough with wings to mimic the Dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
APRIL 3, 2026
My father would recall how they came beautifully wrapped in white tissue paper, adorned with ribbons and many times fresh ferns. They would save the paper to keep sniffing out the deliciousness that once was held inside. For many children, these were special opportunities to enjoy very special delicacies in a time where these were often scarce It was a very comical tale as my dad would demonstrate how they would circle back amid the commotion hoping another little bundle of treats may fall into their hands . . .and how they would sneakily savour every aroma, bite and crumb without sharing with their siblings
For me, Massa Sovada was a sign that Good Friday had arrived. My mother, as I do now, would stay up through the night punching down, shaping and baking the Folares The glorious symbolic rings or braids of sweet bread inlaid with eggs became the best alarm clock, ringing in a time to sit with family, break bread, reflect and let Easter in. I carry this tradition today with my family. My daughters and I spend the night in the family room so that I am close to the kitchen. We watch movies until they can no longer stay awake, and I begin my Easter magic. They wake up to a table set with Easter plates, Portuguese cheese and butter, candied almonds and of course the warm glorious Folare de Massa Massa Sovada is a time traveler bringing us closer to those we have lost throughout the years, of Festas gone by and sweet memories of the traditions that make us who we are
Here is my family recipe for Massa Sovada. This recipe makes 2 bolos, loaves. Easily multiplied for your enjoyment.
INGREDIENTS
1kilo(8cups)all-purposeflour 4eggs
10ouncessugar
1-1/2tablespoonsdryactiveyeast dissolvedwith1/2cupwarmwater& ateaspoonofsugar zestof1lemon
1/2cupsaltedbutter
1/4cupshortening 1cupmilkmixedwith1cuphot water(maynotneedall,dependson flour/dough)
1/4teaspoonofsalt
NEXT:
Mixyeast,water&teaspoonsugar first,allowtofrothandfoamactivatingtheyeast.
Meltbutter&shortening-setaside. Mixmilkandhotwaterandset aside.
Mixegg,lemonrindandsugaruntil paleandfrothy.
Addflour,salt&mixinactivated yeast.
Batter:
Slowlyaddmilk/watermixtureuntil youhaveasoftdough(likepizza dough).Slowlykneadinthe butter/shorteningmixtureuntil incorporated.Kneadabout10 minutes.
Coverandsetasideinawarm placeuntilitdoublesinsize.
Punchdown.Coverandallowto riseagainuntildoubledinsize.
Punchdownagainandstretch andformintoaballandplacein greasedbakingtins.
Coverandallowtoriseuntil doubledinsize.
FINAL
Whisk one egg and brush top of each loaf. Bake at 340 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Check loaves in centre before removing from oven to ensure doneness.
TELLER
BY: ANTHONY ESTEVES WRITER, VOICE ACTOR, AND PODCASTER
TheImmortalExcellence ofRyanCoogler'sSinners
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, A WRITER'S UNAPOLOGETIC ADMIRATION FOR A 21STCENTURY MASTERPIECE
ALEXDUARTE
My name is Alex Duarte just Alex It's definitely not Joao or Manuel, but that's a story for another time My parents, Manuel and Carmelia, immigrated to Canada in the late 1970s from Sao Miguel, seeking a better life I was born the following year, and let me tell you, while Canada is a land of opportunities, it is also a land of snow! I often wonder if I would have shown the same strength as they did if I were in their position My parents are the best, they gave up everything to come here and deal with the harsh climate and a brand new language
I am the middle child in my family, with an older sister named Sonia and a younger sister named Amanda Initially, school was challenging for me since both my older sister and I spoke Portuguese at home and started learning English only after we began attending school Fast forward a few years, and young Alex discovered a passion for comic books and movies My Avo, who lived next door, would always buy me new comics as a thank you for helping her with groceries Back in the '80s, being into comics wasn't considered "cool" in fact, it often led to getting bullied on the playground, an experience I know all too well
At the tender age of three, I participated in my first procession, and I absolutely loved it By the time I was eight, I had joined our local Portuguese Marching Band a little tip: boasting about that at school might get you into trouble! I spent around ten years with the band, learning to play two different instruments Portuguese parties were the highlight, with the band usually performing a concert in the church basement before the DJ took over Like many kids, I would often nap across empty chairs when I was younger, but as I grew older, there was no keeping me seated!
A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful individual named Mike Rita He is a remarkable person and a respected figure within the Portuguese community That was the moment when I turned one Iron Man helmet into a representation of the Acores flag!
Alex & Comedian Mike Rita
PORTUGEEK
ContinuedAlex Duarte - Portugeek
I have always had a passion for high-end toys, but my Portuguese heritage often kept me from indulging.Oneday,whileworkingonmymancave,I noticed it was missing a key element. I had come across a stunning Iron Man helmet for sale, and in that instant, I thought, "Why buy one when I can create my own?" So, I did just that. As I crafted various items, my skills began to flourish, and my mancavetransformedintoaremarkablespace.
My Journey intoVideo Content Creation and Cosplay
I have a deep passion for creating video content, and I often playfully attribute that to my dad! I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge he imparted about cameras, VCRs, and even how to record movies from the video store In the '80s, home movies captured everyone’s imagination, and we certainly made our fair share I even started filming weddings for our Portuguese family friends
Fast forward to after school, when I landed my first job No bullies could hold me back from embracing my inner geek! I rediscovered my love for Halloween not for trick-ortreating, mind you but by dressing up with my wife, my cousin, and his wife Even back in 2005, I was the one in our group who did all the sewing for our costumes. Rather than splurging on store-bought ones, we devised our own plans and purchased clearance fabric
That was just the beginning! A couple of years later, I stumbled upon my first Comic Con a convention that celebrates all things nerdy, for those unfamiliar I started cosplaying, and that's when the floodgates truly opened
CLASSIC NEWSPAPER IN THE TOWN
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a remarkable individual named Mike Rita, a true icon in the Portuguese community That encounter sparked my creativity, leading me to transform an Iron Man helmet into a representation of the Azores flag From that moment, things took off – I crafted a helmet for The Portuguese Kids and one for David Rodrigues of *How to Cook Portuguese Stuff*. My pride in my heritage and culture shines through these Portuguese-inspired projects, which bring me immense joy
My latest creation is a Star Wars bounty hunter I affectionately named Manuelorian, a clever nod to *The Mandalorian* This piece was a personal project, and Manuelorian was even invited to celebrate Portugal Day with the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Edmonton.
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come a long way from being a shy kid who faced teasing for my passion for nerdy interests. Now, I proudly don some of the coolest costumes in public and create pieces that will adorn someone else's man cave. This is the life my parents dreamed of when they came here, and I am truly living it!
Palm Florida
Corações de Portugal is a Portuguese folk dance group based in Florida, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Portugal through music, dance, and cultural expression Founded in 2005, the group has grown into a vibrant community of approximately 55 members, bringing together dancers of all ages who share a deep love for Portuguese heritage.
Alongside the adult group, Rancho Infantil de Corações de Portugal proudly represents the next generation. The children’s group has been performing as its own ensemble for over one year and five months, showcasing the importance of passing down traditions and keeping Portuguese culture alive for the future.
Corações de Portugal represents the Minho region in Northern Portugal, known for its lively dances, colorful costumes, and strong cultural pride. Over the years, the group has performed across Florida and traveled extensively, including performances in Canada, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Ludlow, Massachusetts. The group has also proudly competed in Miami, further highlighting their dedication and talent.
The mission of Corações de Portugal is simple yet meaningful: to bring a piece of Portugal to every performance. Whether making members of the Portuguese community feel at home or introducing new audiences to Portuguese culture for the first time, each performance is an opportunity to celebrate heritage, tradition, and unity.
With many performances planned for the year ahead, the group continues to grow and prepare through weekly rehearsals held every Monday and Thursday at 8:00 PM, remaining committed to excellence, cultural pride, and community.
Dellamarie Pereira
The Founder of Festa Gear.
So there I was… at a festa standing on the sidelines, watching my kids dance in a Rancho perform with all the other moms
I am usually dancing too with the adults, but this time it was just the kids dancing… And for once in a longtime, I was just soaking it all in watching the next generation carry on the culture we love. It hit different. Like, really hit in a whole new way.
That’s when the idea hit me: “What if we had cute, modern tees for us Rancho moms?”
Something you’d actually want to wear on the regular. Minimal, meaningful, and full of pride.
My name is Dellamarie Pereira, most know me by Della. This is my second Rancho era, I danced as a kid, but now I’m dancing as a mom with my husband and kids. A whole new responsibility of passing the culture onto my kids and onto the next generation.
How does this fit in with the rest of me you ask?
Well I’m an event decorator, so literally every day is a festa for me I studied product development at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and worked in the fashion industry for 7 years before becoming a mom and now owner of Della Details & Festa Gear. This passion for clothing and pretty things isn’t out of the blue. This is essentially years in the making and combines all the things I’m passionate about. Thanks for checking out Festa Gear! Join the Festa and tell all your primos!
Festa Gear is a lifestyle apparel brand celebrating the beauty, pride, and timeless artistry of Portuguese culture. Clean, modern, and minimal designs made for today’s generation, yet inspired by traditional Portuguese tiles and simple lines that hit home. Festa Gear blends heritage with a fresh, everyday aesthetic. Each piece is made to be effortlessly worn while carrying a touch of home, history, and heart.
ROOTS.
Founded by a Portuguese-American creative who grew up surrounded by Portuguese culture, food, faith and familia. Community, joy, and festas!
Festa Gear was born from the desire to keep those traditions alive in a modern way and pass them down to the next generation. Designed for all who cherish their roots, but want to express them with a modern twist. Festa Gear started with one thought: Let’s make repping our roots look as good as it feels.
INSIRATION BEHINDTHEBRAND
The inspiration behind Festa Gear comes from the intricate beauty of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) found all over Portugal and the lively, heartfelt traditions of Portuguese Rancho and festas—wheremusic,faith,food,andfamilyfill the streets with life. The designs pay homage to these timeless symbols of connection, translated into clean lines, soft hues, and versatilepiecesthatfiteffortlesslyintomodern wardrobes.
FESTAGEARIS
IT’SABOUT CARRYING YOURCULTURE WITHPRIDE, WHEREVER YOUGO.
HIGHLIGHTINGPORTUGUESEAMERICAN&CANADIAN CREATORS. @THEPORTUGUESECOLLECTIVE
NASTASYA PALACIO SpecialGuest
@nastayalovesPT
Travelenthusiast& VloggerNastasyashares herjourneylearning Portuguese,movingfrom ArizonatoPortugaland her“CaminodeSantiago” adventure. AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS
Author:
JULIE COSTA LANGLEY
ABOUT JULIE
Julie Costa Langley resides in the charming town of Scotts Valley, California, nestled in Santa Cruz County. She shares her home with her husband, Rich, their son Nicholas, and their beloved dog, Max. A proud native of Santa Cruz, Julie identifies as a first and second generation Portuguese-American. As a mother of four and a grandmother of three, she cherishes her family. After retiring from many years of service in county government, she is now passionately pursuing her dream of becoming an author. Julie has published three children's books: *Nina and I* (2021), *The Hat in the Closet* (2023), and her first chapter book, *What Is Saudade?* (2025). She hopes her stories will inspire, bring joy, and put smiles on children's faces!
WHAT IS SAUDADE
# Invite Julie for a Book Reading!
Julie is eager to visit your school or library to read from her books in person. **Schedule a book reading today!**
Additionally, Julie is excited to donate a book to your elementary school library! Simply send her an email, and she will provide a copy of any one of her books to your school or non-profit organization
Email: 4coelha@gmail.com
Julie’s latest book, *What Is Saudade*, which was published in April 2025, is a semi-bilingual chapter book in English and Portuguese. It narrates a child's adventure to her mother’s homeland, where she uncovers the vibrant culture and stunning beauty of the Azores!
