Inkluded Graduate Rose Heredia to Moderate Latinx in Publishing’s 10th Anniversary Panel

This year, Latinx in Publishing celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of amplifying Latine/x voices in literature and in the publishing industry. To honor the milestone, Latinx in Pub is hosting Getting In & Moving Up panel on Wednesday, October 22, 7pm ET. This special discussion will explore pathways into publishing—from educational programs like Inkluded Academy to entry-level jobs—and how professionals of color can navigate hiring practices, move up the corporate ladder, and shape the future of the field.

Inkluded is proud to be part of this conversation, with our Director of Operation, Cecilia Gray sitting on the panel, and one of our 2025 Inkluded Academy graduates, Rose Heredia, serving as the panel’s moderator. 

Rose’s journey reflects the transformative impact of both organizations—community-building through Latinx in Pub and career preparation through Inkluded Academy.

“I’m glad organizations like [LatinX in Publishing and Inkluded] exist,” Rose said. “I hope the panel shows people of color that there are publishing professionals who look like them—and that they can see themselves in those positions. I also hope this panel provides both resources and the belief that building a career in publishing is possible.”

A Journey Through Two Communities

Rose’s journey to publishing has been circular. A lifelong writer and voracious reader, she has always been drawn to stories and the power they hold. Yet, like many people of color, she faced barriers to breaking into the industry and pursued other career paths. Now, twenty years later, Rose has returned to publishing with renewed determination—ready to make an impact on the stories we read and the voices that get heard.

Rose first connected with Latinx in Publishing in 2022, when she applied for an editorial fellowship. When she tells it, she says, “I almost didn’t apply.” After years of searching for an industry job, Rose thought that this might become another unanswered application. But, with determination, she said, “I decided to give the application my all and be honest about why I wanted [to be in publishing]. A few months later, I found out I’d been accepted, and that opened the door to Latinx in Publishing.” Since completing the fellowship, Rose has been involved in different ways—from attending their networking events to having mentorship check-ins with the founders. Rose fondly states, “I’ll never not be part of this organization.”

Her path to Inkluded came later, during an informational interview where someone mentioned Inkluded Academy to her. By that point, Rose had quit her full-time job and was fully committed to pursuing her dream career in publishing. “I told myself, ‘If I get into this program, I’m meant to be in publishing.’” Meant to be it was because Rose absolutely shone in Inkluded Academy, impressing the faculty, her mentor, and her fellow matriculants with her passion, knowledge, and dedication. 

“I really appreciated the experience. [Inkluded Academy] was more than I expected. I loved that I got more information about every department in publishing than I ever have in my life, and I got access to so many professionals I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I’m so glad I got to be part of Inkluded.” 

Since graduating, Rose has stayed deeply connected to Inkluded, generously giving her time and energy as a volunteer—contributions that continue to strengthen our community.

Building a More Inclusive Industry

For Rose, the impact of both organizations goes beyond her personal journey:

“I’m glad these organizations exist—they weren’t around twenty years ago when I first tried to break into the industry.… Their presence allows more people of color to believe that they can pursue these roles [in publishing] and exist in the industry. I’m hopeful that the PoC currently in these organizations will continue to mentor future generations to help create more visibility and access, and that [these organizations] will continue to receive the support and funding they need to keep doing their work ten, twenty, and thirty years from now.”

She also points to the need for greater access points across the industry. While some publishers and agencies offer internship, fellowship, and apprenticeship opportunities, Rose acknowledges that we, as an industry—large and small companies alike— need to continue creating opportunities for people to learn about the different facets of publishing and how to break in. “ Both [Inkluded and Latinx in Publishing] are creating pathways and mentorship that didn’t exist before, and that’s impactful.”

Looking Ahead

For Rose, breaking into publishing has always been about returning to her passion for stories. “My dad calls me comelibros, which in Spanish means someone who eats books [or just a bookworm], because I’ve always been drawn to stories. Earning my MFA gave me the chance to be in an environment where I was constantly talking about stories and surrounded by people who shared my passion. I realized that’s what I wanted for my career. At the end of the day, I want to use all my skills to advocate for stories and for people.”

As moderator, Rose is most excited about sparking honest conversations and creating space for aspiring professionals to see themselves in the industry the way that she does. There is space and need for PoC voices in publishing, and this panel is just one of many opportunities for us to encourage publishing aspirants to chase their dreams.  

As Latinx in Publishing marks a decade of impact, and as Inkluded continues to grow its programs, Rose’s role as moderator is both a celebration and a sign of what’s possible: the next generation of Latine/X and BIPoC voices stepping into leadership, shaping the future of publishing.