-Editorial
Growing up in Calexico, Alejandra Najera dreamed of a career dedicated to helping others. Years later, after overcoming unexpected challenges and building a healthcare career, she has added another role to her journey: children’s author.
Najera recently returned to her hometown to present her first book, Sophie and Our Friends, at the Camarena Memorial Library, sharing the story behind the project and the personal experiences that inspired her to write it.
For Najera, the book is more than a children’s story. It is a message to young readers that they can pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and believe in themselves.
“This book is actually something that came out of my heart,” Najera said during the presentation. “It was for my nephews, my family, to show that they’re capable of doing anything that their hearts desire.”
The book, she explained, was created to provide children with tools to develop confidence and recognize their own potential.
Najera’s path to becoming an author was not a traditional one. A 2005 graduate of Calexico High School, she left the Imperial Valley to continue her education in San Diego to become a medical doctor.
However, a personal health challenge changed the direction of her career.
“That turned the whole path into a whole new way,” Najera said.
Through perseverance, faith, and determination, Najera shifted her focus toward the business side of healthcare. She later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School, developing expertise in the healthcare sector.
Today, she works in the femtech industry, where she is building her company, alé, while continuing to explore ways to improve people’s lives through healthcare solutions.
The idea for Sophie and Our Friends developed gradually, becoming a three-year project filled with research, writing, and reflection. Najera said she did not have formal training as a writer but relied on reading, studying, and dedication to complete the book.
After finishing the manuscript, she received interest from multiple publishing companies. However, facing financial challenges following medical expenses, Najera decided to take a different approach and create her own publishing path.
“It was a very long learning process of three years,” she said. “Once I submitted it, many publishing companies wanted to do it, but I decided I was going to do something brave and create my own path.”
The book’s journey has exceeded her expectations, bringing her back to her hometown to inspire children and families.
Najera said the message behind the book reflects what she hopes young readers will carry with them throughout their lives: that fear does not have to prevent them from pursuing their goals.
“You can do it,” she said. “Be scared, but you can do it.”
The author is already continuing the story, working on a second book that will feature a space-themed adventure. She has also released a companion workbook designed to help children develop healthy habits through affirmations, gratitude exercises and activities they can practice outside the classroom.
Najera said her goal is to continue creating resources that encourage children to develop confidence and resilience.
Sophie and Our Friends is available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
