Available to book
Mirtle Peña-Calderón
Storytelling
Personal Branding
Communication
Harness the power of honest, voice-driven storytelling with Mirtle Peña-Calderón, journalist, editor, and author. With over a decade in communications and media, Mirtle helps organisations and founders navigate identity, culture, and mental health through authentic narratives. Co-author of The Book of Awesome Latinas and founder of the Latinidad Collective, a storytelling platform rooted in culture and community.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Journalist
Author
Founder
Mental Health Awareness
Hispanic & Latinx
Mirtle Peña-Calderón is a journalist, editor, and author who explores identity, mental health, and culture through storytelling that connects personal experience with collective understanding. The founder of Latinidad Collective, Mirtle has created a thriving storytelling platform rooted in culture and community, which explores what it means to be Latino, Latina, Latine, and Latinx in its most authentic form. In 2026, Mirtle co-authored The Book of Awesome Latinas, which shines a spotlight on 74 powerful and inspiring Hispanic, Latin, and Indigenous women role models from the U.S. and Latin America.
She has written for PEOPLE Magazine, People Chica, mitú, Miami New Times, and HelloGiggles. Mirtle also runs two Substack publications: Consider This A Note, where she shares editorial perspectives, and Awesome Latinas: The Substack, where she continues the mission of her debut book. Her decade-long career in communications and media gives her valuable insight into how stories shape public conversation.
In her talks, Mirtle explores storytelling, identity, and mental health through both personal and cultural lenses. She speaks about the Latino and Latine experience, sharing how honest storytelling can support healing in communities built on resilience. She also examines how Latine storytellers are reshaping cultural narratives and why those stories matter beyond their communities. Alongside this, Mirtle offers practical guidance for founders and creatives on finding a clear throughline, refining their voice, and communicating with authenticity. Audiences leave with practical approaches to more authentic communication and a deeper understanding of how personal and cultural narratives can strengthen storytelling and leadership.
Topics, sessions and talks
Mirtle Peña-Calderón leads a thought-provoking discussion on honest narratives, mental health, and the Latino experience. She examines the challenges faced by resilient communities that often lack the space to express their struggles. Through her personal experiences and extensive cultural reporting, Mirtle highlights how storytelling can serve as a powerful healing tool rather than a performance and why that distinction matters for Latino and Latine audiences especially.
Mirtle Peña-Calderón will explore who tells Latino stories, the evolving landscape of representation, and its significance beyond the community. Drawing from her editorial experience, her involvement with the Latinidad Collective, and insights from her book, The Book of Awesome Latinas, she emphasizes that cultural narratives are essential for all of us. Attendees will learn about the importance of diverse storytelling and its impact on society as a whole.
Mirtle Peña-Calderón presents a practical session on why we often struggle with clear communication and how to overcome this challenge. She shares insights from her editorial experience with founders, focusing on identifying a clear throughline, writing with confidence, and developing an authentic brand voice. Attendees will learn effective strategies to enhance their communication skills, ensuring their message resonates and reflects their true identity.
Mirtle’s decade in editorial journalism and her work founding the Latinidad Collective make her a trusted voice on storytelling, cultural identity, and how narrative shapes understanding. Her talks explore mental health, the Latino and Latine experience, and how underrepresented voices are reshaping culture and media. Clients value her ability to bring clarity to complex and sensitive topics, combining personal insight with editorial rigor.
Testimonials
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Mirtle Peña-Calderón draws on her editorial background, personal experience, and cultural reporting to frame sessions around a central throughline — connecting individual narrative to collective understanding. She applies this structure across topics including Latino identity, mental health, and brand voice, grounding each session in concrete examples drawn from her work with the Latinidad Collective, her Substack publications, and her co-authored book, The Book of Awesome Latinas.
Mirtle Peña-Calderón speaks on the Latino and Latine experience, cultural representation and Latine storytelling, and voice-driven communication for founders and creatives. She is the founder of the Latinidad Collective and co-author of The Book of Awesome Latinas, published in 2026, which profiles 74 Hispanic, Latin, and Indigenous women from the US and Latin America.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
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