New Book Launching
Like the bougainvillea—beautiful,
unyielding, and impossible to destroy—
one woman defied the odds, rising from
the shadows of a traumatic past to build
an extraordinary future.
Release Date
Release Date Feb 2026
Scroll down for more details about this soon-to-be best selling book.
It’s Hard to Kill a Bougainvillea
A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and Triumph
Like the bougainvillea—beautiful, unyielding, and impossible to destroy—one woman defied the odds, rising from the shadows of a traumatic past to build an extraordinary future.
In this deeply moving memoir, Sylvia A. Alvarez tells the remarkable true story of her mother, a Cuban immigrant who endured unthinkable hardships, yet refused to be broken. Fleeing the turmoil of her homeland, she arrived in America with little more than her determination and an unshakable will to survive. Through grit, resilience, and an unwavering spirit, she carved out a new life, ultimately transforming herself into the owner of a thriving garment empire.
A testament to the power of perseverance, It’s Hard to Kill a Bougainvillea is a tribute to all those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances and fight for a future greater than their past. Heart-wrenching yet inspiring, this is the story of a woman who refused to wither—who bloomed brilliantly against all odds.
Click the player
to play the song….
I am dance, music that runs from your soul down to your feet
Music that when you hear it makes you move to the beat
I am from music that sings to your soul
Music that makes youth of the old
I am from the plantations of sugar cane and sun
I am from savory delicious food and sweet dark rum
I am from the plaintain plant, pineapples and coconut cream
I am from the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean
I am from miles of sugar sand beaches
I am from the place where only love reaches
From the smell of flowers and cigars
From the land of antique and classic cars
I am from roots that twist through centuries past
From laughter that lingers from shadows that last
From stories told in search of a panacea
I am proof – it’s hard to kill a bougainvillea
About the Author
Sylvia Alvarez is a dynamic force in the housing and homeownership sectors, celebrated for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering communities. As the founder and Executive Director of the Housing and Education Alliance (HEA), Sylvia has been a trailblazer in transforming the lives of over 54,000 residents in the Tampa Bay area since 2002. Under her guidance, HEA has become a beacon of hope, providing crucial HUD-approved housing counseling and resources to those navigating the complexities of homeownership.
An esteemed appointee to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Advisory Board in Washington, DC, Sylvia has played a pivotal role in returning over $14 billion to consumers harmed by financial institutions, making a lasting impact under two presidential administrations. Her work reflects her deep commitment to advocating for fairness and transparency in the financial industry.
In addition to her work with the CFPB, Sylvia has served on a number of high-profile boards, including JP Morgan Chase’s Advisory Board, UnidosUS Housing Advisory Board, the HOPE NOW board in Washington, DC, and the Lakeview Capital Advisory Board. She is also an active member of her community, serving on the Board at Unity of Clearwater Church. Her leadership and expertise have earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame in Tampa, FL, a testament to her lasting influence and dedication to the Tampa Bay area.
Sylvia’s legacy is built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the families she serves. She continues to fight for the rights of consumers, ensuring that homeownership remains a path to financial security for generations to come.
She is soon to become a published author of the book “It’s Hard to Kill a Bougainvillea”.
Stay tuned for release updates.
