A relentless advocate for defining a life with purpose, Erika Obando has made it her mission to leave impactful ripples for generations to come. An active international speaker, author, mentor and community leader, her legacy is to guide others in changing the narratives of their lives. Her efforts focus on women empowerment, youth enrichment and advocating lifestyle pivots using the art of reinvention. She took the renown TEDx Stage in which she shared her story – “When Breaking Points Lead To Empowerment” – a look into her life’s journey of resiliency and perseverance. Using her own story’s success as the platform, she teaches the tools of transforming yourself from being a Victim to being Victorious.
Obando’s latest book, “Without A Voice,” details her own personal struggles. Brought to the United States illegally by Colombian parents seeking a better life for their family, Erika Obando allows her readers a candid view of the horrors and hardships she endured and how she used them to transform her life. This powerful, coming of age story traces Erika’s growth into a resolute young woman who struggled to overcome incredible odds and build a solid and successful life for her son, herself and those who follow in her footsteps. It is available on Amazon (USA and International) Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indie Bound & Porchlight an on her website erikaobando.com/
Obando joins esteemed writers including beloved children’s author Harvey Oyer, III, New York Times bestselling author Laura Duksta, Cesar A. Becerra, Dr. Joe Knetsch, Y.M. Masson, architect and historic preservation consultant Arthur Jay Marcus, historian John Bailey, plus novelists Kingsley Guy and Donn R. Colee, Jr. as part of History Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious “Meet the Author” series, a chance to converse with Florida-based writers, launched in February. Upcoming novelists will be announced.
History Fort Lauderdale is currently open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with docent guided tours, daily, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.
For more information, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory, on Instagram @ftlhistory, on Twitter @FTLHistory and subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.
About History Fort Lauderdale
History Fort Lauderdale, formerly known as Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, brings the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Residents and visitors to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus – the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 – present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 SW Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guided tours are available, daily, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. with walking tours available upon special request. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions.