Awards and Recognitions

Isabel Calione was named Member of the Year by the Hispanic American Cultural Council in recognition of her leadership, community service, fundraising achievements, and dedication to supporting educational opportunities.

During this period, Isabel successfully served as President of the Social Committee. She organized and supported numerous fundraising events and helped raise funds for scholarships benefiting students graduating from high school.

In 2014, Isabel was formally received by the Consul General of Uruguay at the Consulate General of Uruguay in New York.

During this important meeting, Isabel presented her first two published books. Her works were officially received and photographed, registered through Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sent to Uruguay.

This recognition represented an important moment in Isabel’s early literary career. As a Uruguayan author living in the United States, having her books formally received and recognized by representatives of her home country created a meaningful connection between her literary work, her heritage, and Uruguay.

The name of the Consul General will be added after confirmation.

In 2015, Isabel was invited to Nathan Hale Public Library in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a special author event titled An Afternoon with Uruguayan Author Isabel Calione.

During the event, Isabel presented her literary work and shared her journey as a Uruguayan author writing and publishing books in Spanish in the United States.

The library formally accepted copies of her first two books into its collection. Isabel also received recognition for her literary career, published works, and contribution as a Spanish-language Latina author.

This recognition was especially meaningful because her books remained at the library, making her work available to readers in the Tulsa community. Isabel traveled to Oklahoma and later returned for a second author presentation.

Isabel received the Member of the Year Award for a second time in recognition of four years of successful fundraising, community events, organizational accomplishments, and continued work supporting scholarships for graduating high school students.

This second award recognized her sustained commitment to the organization, its educational mission, and the Hispanic community.

Isabel received special recognition in Miami for her accomplishments as a Latina author and her contribution to Spanish-language literature.

The recognition celebrated her work publishing books and novels in Spanish and her commitment to representing Hispanic and Latino voices through literature.

Isabel was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Connecticut by Identidad Latina newspaper.

This distinction recognized her cultural, literary, professional, and community contributions, as well as her positive influence within Connecticut’s Latino community.

On November 1, 2025, Isabel received an Official Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford.

The citation recognized Isabel’s presentation of the third installment of her Lo Que No Sabía trilogy and the English-language debut of the trilogy’s first book. It celebrated her literary achievements and her efforts to bridge cultures and connect with new audiences through her powerful and inspiring work.

The Official Citation was introduced by:

State Representative Manny Sanchez, 24th District State Representative Bobby Sanchez, 25th District State Representative Dave DeFronzo, 26th District State Representative Gary A. Turco Jr., 27th District State Senator Rick Lopes, 6th District

The citation bears the signatures of:

Martin M. Looney, President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut Senate Matt Ritter, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut Secretary of the State

The entire membership of the Connecticut General Assembly extended its congratulations and best wishes for Isabel’s continued success.

In 2026, What I Didn’t Know, a novel by Isabel Calione, was selected to participate in the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California.

This selection represented an important milestone in Isabel’s career as an author. She traveled from Connecticut to California to attend the festival and present her novel to a new and diverse audience.

The opportunity to showcase What I Didn’t Know at this major literary event marked a meaningful moment in Isabel’s career and reflected the years of dedication, perseverance, and passion behind her literary work.