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Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recently commemorated the publication of her book, "Lead in Life: People. Passion. Persistence. Succeed in the New Era of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” according to a Click2Houston article.
The book, which was published on Sept. 28, chronicles Murillo's experience from a small child growing up in Houston's Second Ward to becoming a recognized leader who advocates for her community's economic development, according to a press release from Elite Online Publishing.
"When it comes to diversity and inclusion in the many leadership roles she has held, @DrLauraMurillo has earned the right to share her success story in order for others to lead in their own life," Mayor Sylvester Turner stated on Twitter. "This afternoon, I was honored to take part in her 'Lead in Life' book launch event."
Murillo stated in an interview with ABC13 that she had been thinking about this idea for 10 years and that the pandemic provided her with the chance to create something that showed that people were capable of overcoming hardship.
"It's a book that I've thought about and finally had an opportunity," Murrilo said. "The entire process has been daunting and challenging and sometimes I wanted to give up but as my book says we have to keep moving forward and take it with stride and be resilient."
Murillo, the youngest of nine children born to Mexican immigrants, said she also views her book as a tribute to her parents.
"They came here as immigrants many, many years ago and my daughters have gone on to ivy league schools at Columbia University and Georgetown University," Murrillo said. "It's a tribute to all those who aspire to do well."
Murrillo also emphasized the importance of Hispanic representation in elected positions.
"It's always important that we see people who hold important positions and have done some incredible things," Murrillo said. "To see someone who looks like you is very important and that is why my book focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion."
Currently, her book is presently the best-selling title in the Total Quality Management category on Amazon.
Born and raised in Magnolia Park, Murrillo began working at her parents' restaurant at the age of 10 and continued until she graduated from college at Houston University, where she earned her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees.
She has been serving as president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2007.