”Semillas”, in the Spanish language, means seeds.

Despite their small size and seeming fragility, seeds possess a strength and indefatigability that allows them to grow in even the most unlikely of places.

I also believe that seeds represent the lasting effects of our lives lived. What seeds did we plant along our journey? Were they nourishing and did they provide intangible sustenance to others? That will be our legacy.

The inception of Semillas Publishing, as a concept, was rooted in my mother's heart long before it was in mine. Despite my childhood being one of socioeconomic disadvantage and travails, my mother planted the seed of literacy as not only a mere pastime, but as a means for hope and as a tool for survival. Doing the same for others has now become one of my life's purposes. In 2017, I left my career of 11 years in the aerospace industry and founded Semillas.

I am a fiercely loving mother, proud woman of color, an Air Force veteran, and advocate for underserved and disenfranchised populations and individuals. Many things have contributed to making me who I am today, but these—by far, are what propel me to live each day with indelible purpose.

I am unyielding in my pursuit to provide a literary platform for storytellers that hail from marginalized populations. History books have often taught us that when we rely on others to articulate our experiences, we make way for misrepresentations and blatant falsehoods to be spun.

Be the teller of your own story from the truth of your spirit, words, artistry, and creative ingenuity. That’s how we honor our sacred purposes—individually and collectively.

- R.E. Duffau, Publisher and Founder of Semillas Publishing

R.E. Duffau is an Air Force veteran, ADVocate, mother, writer, former military transition instructor and Counselor, and the founder of Semillas Publishing, LLC.
R.E.’s academic pursuits and pasSion for learning and literacy have contributed greatly to both her personal and professional endeavors. Above all, She hopes that her life serves as a living testaMent Of unRelenting WilL, Intentional efforts, and a Heart-Centered drive to be of service to others. R.e. continues her work globally in advocacy with the u.s. veteran popuLation.