Orange Coast Magazine : Orange County’s Kick Ass Women
Spenuzza is an award-winning author with 13 published books—proceeds from the sales of which are donated to fight human trafficking. Born in Ecuador, she was raised in both California and France. She speaks four languages and has visited 128 countries.
What characteristics do you feel helped you succeed?
Resilience forged my path, optimism lit the way, and discipline anchored my dreams. Creativity, no innate gift, blooms with courage—risks embraced, failures transformed. Its journey demands dedication, bending the rules yet honoring the craft. Success whispered through persistence: a melody only heard by those who dare to create, to endure.
What is one habit or routine that helped you become successful in your career?
A goal-oriented mindset guides my success, turning aspirations into milestones. Clear objectives, disciplined routines, and commitment drive momentum. Vision, structure, and perseverance transform dreams into reality, making each of my days a purposeful step and a testament to the power of intention.
What was the best advice you received when you were first starting out?
Forty years ago, I stood before Toni Morrison, sharing my dream—a book on Latin American art theft and human trafficking. Her words, resonant and eternal: “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” She kindled my purpose, unyielding.
Spenuzza’s history book The Unique Women of the Venetian Republic is selected Runner Up in the Los Angeles Book Festival -Non-Fiction category.
http://losangelesbookfestival.com/
Author is Gold Level Donor at the Orange County Philharmonic Society’s Gala for the Vienna Philharmonic. https://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/the-vienna-philharmonics-return-to-california/
Orange Coast Magazine : Authors We Love
Philanthropist Connie Spenuzza is recognized for commitment to the arts
Mission Gala Stunning Success
GALA RAISES MONEY FOR MISSION SJC
Mission Gala Honors Longtime Supporters
2021 Honors
MISSION GALA HONOREES
International Latino Book Award finalist writes a travel memoir spanning 50 years and 125 countries
Dana Point Author Named “Most Inspirational” Finalist in International Latino Book Award
Dana Point Author Named a Finalist for Prestigious International Latino Book Award
Foreword Reviews: Experience the Wanderlust Serendipity of a Fifty-Year Journey Across 125 Countries
Austin Business Journal: The Odyssey of the World’s Smallest Woman
Boston Business Journal: The Odyssey of the World’s Smallest Woman
el Argentino sin Fronteras: The Odyssey of the World’s Smallest Woman
Prensa Mexicana: The Odyssey of the World’s Smallest Woman
Foreword Reviews Indie Book Finalists Selects Lucia Zarate: The Odyssey of the World’s Smallest Woman
Reader’s Entertainment Radio talks to award-winning author Cecilia Velastegui
View the Article and Interview >>
Cecilia Velastegui Talks About The Life of Lucia Zarate The World’s Smallest Woman
A Year of Book Awards for Latina Author of High-Stakes Historical Thrillers and Bilingual Children’s Fables
Jetsetter and Author:
Fabulous Fiction: A Latina writer finds her own path to success.
ForeWord Reviews IndieFab Book of the Year Finalist
LACMA purchases long-lost masterpiece, once kept under a couch
National Latino Book Club – Association of American Publishers/Las Comadres
University of Southern California Daily Trojan. The olingutio gave Velastegui a chance to write about larger environmental issues.
Read the Orange County Register’s article about my children’s book Olinguito Speaks Up!
International Award-Winning Novel, MISSING IN MACHU PICCHU, Free as an E-Book Download
Huffington Post recommends Missing in Machu Picchu
I was recently interviewed for Reader Views and you can view the interview here:
“I HAVE ALWAYS IMAGINED THAT PARADISE WILL BE A KIND OF LIBRARY.” – Jorge Luis Borges
Award Winning Novel, TRACES OF BLISS, Free at On-Line Booksellers
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PUBLISHERS – 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL LATINO BOOK CLUB SELECTS TRACES OF BLISS by Cecilia Velástegui
Nov 14, 2011 – Beautifully written and meticulously researched, GATHERING THE INDIGO MAIDENS is a must read for anyone who loves a good thriller.
The OCHTTF would like to give a special thank you to the author of the book, Gathering the Indigo Maidens, Cecilia Velastegui,
TRACKING EVIL THROUGH ART
Jane Glenn. Orange Coast Magazine January 2012
You Tube fan
Interview with Cecilia Velástegui
Radio interview with Cecilia Velástegui
Orange County Philanthropy Examiner
New Art Theft Mystery Explores Hispanic Human Trafficking
Who Said the Life of an Art Collector Had to Be Dull?