Photo of author Maria G. Valdez

Maria G. Valdez

Former Lead Editor, POPSUGAR Latina

Maria was born and raised in Dominican Republic, where she began her career in journalism. After moving to New York, she worked for a leading Latinx online publication before transitioning to POPSUGAR. She's passionate about her dog Phoebe, health, living a balanced life, body positivity, and is a proud Latina. She teaches Zumba for fun and loves a good karaoke!

https://mariagvaldez.com/

Latest Posts From Maria

Let’s Stop Shaming Latine Folks Who Don’t Speak Spanish Fluently

Aug 26, 2024

Let’s Stop Shaming Latine Folks Who Don’t Speak Spanish Fluently

I am a Latina who speaks Spanish, mostly because I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, and lived there for 21 years.

Why Semana Santa Was More Than Spring Break in My Household

Mar 21, 2022

Why Semana Santa Was More Than Spring Break in My Household

While most kids were on Spring Break enjoying a few days off from school, visiting their grandparents, or going somewhere warm, for me, in the Dominican Republic, it was about more than that.

Bartender-Approved Coquito Recipes You Can Make at Home

Dec 20, 2021

Bartender-Approved Coquito Recipes You Can Make at Home

I grew up thinking "ponche" (eggnog with a lot of alcohol) was the drink of choice for the holidays.

Breakfast Smoothies With Aguacate That Will Keep You and Your Familia Nourished

Aug 3, 2020

Breakfast Smoothies With Aguacate That Will Keep You and Your Familia Nourished

A few years ago, I decided I needed to be better about my health, but I didn't know where to start.

Partner Content From Saborea Uno Hoy®

No More Makeup Meltdown! These Drugstore Primers Are Here to Save Your Summer Beauty Look

Jul 22, 2020

No More Makeup Meltdown! These Drugstore Primers Are Here to Save Your Summer Beauty Look

Oh, summer.

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5 Films and TV Shows With a Strong Latina Lead

Jul 17, 2020

5 Films and TV Shows With a Strong Latina Lead

There's nothing like watching a movie or TV show and thinking, "Wow, I can totally relate to the lead's experiences."

How to Make Authentic and Delicious Tacos de Adobada

Jul 14, 2020

How to Make Authentic and Delicious Tacos de Adobada

Immigrants or children of immigrants often rely on food as a way to keep our culture alive.

Joyride Explores Generational Effects of Latinx Familial Relationships — Watch It Here

Jul 11, 2020

Joyride Explores Generational Effects of Latinx Familial Relationships — Watch It Here

When talking about our Latinx experiences, we can't help but mention our family dynamics.

Bad Bunny Gets Real About Tackling Machismo in Reggaetón in Historic Playboy Cover

Jul 10, 2020

Bad Bunny Gets Real About Tackling Machismo in Reggaetón in Historic Playboy Cover

Bad Bunny continues making history, this time becoming the first man — other than Hugh Hefner — and first Latino man to appear solo on the cover of Playboy.

Jhay Cortez Is Done Pleasing Everybody as He Prepares to Release His Most Authentic Album Yet

Jul 8, 2020

Jhay Cortez Is Done Pleasing Everybody as He Prepares to Release His Most Authentic Album Yet

Last year, as Jhay Cortez was blowing up thanks to his hit "No Me Conoce (Remix)" featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny, he revealed his plans for the future: "I want to release a new album, drop more videos, content, and evolve as an artist and as a person," he told POPSUGAR at the time.

Manuel Medrano Continues to Redefine Latin Pop With His Heavenly New Single

Jul 4, 2020

Manuel Medrano Continues to Redefine Latin Pop With His Heavenly New Single

Image Source: Warner Music

Rauw Alejandro Proves His Music Has No Limits and Is Full of Magic With His New Single

Jul 1, 2020

Rauw Alejandro Proves His Music Has No Limits and Is Full of Magic With His New Single

Rauw Alejandro surprised his fans with a new sound in his newly released single, "Algo Mágico," showing the versatility of his music and songwriting skills in this bop, which has contemporary house and pop vibes with undertones of his classic sound of el movimiento.