Selenny Espinal was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, on October 19, 1984. In a difficult home, she learned the hard facts of life early on. Selenny found consolation in radio, starting her career young, and rose to popularity in Dominican media despite these adversities. It was challenging for her to relocate to the U.S. as a teenage mother for a better life. From violent relationships to trying to improve her children’s future, her U.S. experiences were full of hope and hardship. Selenny now inspires others with her story of strength and perseverance. Her debut book, THE STRUGGLES THAT SHAPED ME, is a deeply intimate memoir about her life and cultural struggles.