Best known for her riveting performance as "Eva" in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past. From growing up in the tough streets of the Bronx during the Crack Epidemic Era, to being in an abusive relationship as a teenager, to almost taking her own life, April's future looked bleak.
Embracing Me is April's inspirational story of resilience, forgiveness, and overcoming adversity. This heartfelt yet witty memoir explores April's story of standing up against life's many challenges with strength, perseverance, and faith. Journey with April as she takes us behind-the-scenes to some of the most intimate parts of her life, and learn from the wisdom she obtained along the way.
As an actress, April reached critical heights in her portrayal of Eva Benitez in the award-winning movie, Freedom Writers. She has garnered roles in Showtime's Nurse Jackie, Person of Interest, ER, 30 Rock, Elementary, Law&Order SVU, and The Following. April received a SAG Award nomination
for best ensemble cast in the hit show Dexter. She had a recurring role on NBC's New Amsterdam.
April now travels across the United States sharing her story of perseverance and survival, using examples of how the power of her voice has made her a courageous leader. She facilitates workshops for youth groups, students organizations, women events, school administrators in how to deal with the epidemic of intimate partner violence.
April alongside her husband and business partner Zalo Castillo are the cofounders of Parental Voices Matter. A workshop/program created to ignite, educate, and support parental communities. As a consummate Yankees fan she shares the story of her first acting gig which was a Super Bowl commercial with Yogi Berra and Yao Ming. To her father's dismay she didn't get a picture or autograph of Yogi during that first paying acting job of her career.
The progression of her early experiences to her role in Freedom Writers is quite interesting and compelling. As she shares her growth from someone who contemplated suicide to being an outspoken spokesperson for girls, women and parents who will hear about her faith in God and how she notes that we are all meant to bless someone else with our pain and experiences. This insightful discussion is so valuable for all parents of young girls especially who wish to bring them up focusing on God and how to deal with life's challenges with wisdom and grace.
As we recap our initial meeting on the LinkedIn platform as the Lover of Red Lipstick, you like I will want to listen to this Episode more than once. You may reach out to April on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-hernandez-castillo-7ab7a944/ or at her website: https://www.aprilhernandezspeaks.com/
Embracing me can be ordered from Amazon and we here at Health and Biz Bites recommend you order the book especially all parents who have young girls who are maturing and navigating through life's challenges in America today!
To learn more about me and mission to educate and inform everyone about the merits and benefit of alternative methods and modalities of wellness go to www.mikebeverly.life and while there read a blog or two. Click the podcast tab to listen to this episode and others in the library.
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