Dr. Dianne Olvera was married to a diplomat, and they both worked at the United States Embassy in Argentina and Mexico. They were in Argentina when the country was engulfed in a climate of fear as the government transformed into a military dictatorship under Jorge Rafael Videla. The regime conducted what it called the “Dirty War,” during which anyone suspected of opposing it could vanish without a trace. Communication was careful, and life was filled with fear and uncertainty. Living and working in Argentina during that time shaped her understanding of “the language of power,” fear, and a deeper appreciation for human dignity.

After completing their duty in Argentina, they were assigned to Mexico to fulfill their diplomatic responsibilities under President José López Portillo. Initially, things appeared more stable than they had in Argentina, but by the early 1980s, everything changed as oil prices collapsed, leading Mexico into a deep financial crisis. Economic uncertainty created significant tension, with individuals seeking asylum in the United States approaching them. Life was challenging under these circumstances, forcing them to learn how to navigate their interactions with others in a manner that upheld their dignity and honored the values of the United States, even while facing unsafe and uncomfortable situations.

Inspired by these experiences, she sought to understand the importance of language in our lives upon returning to the United States. She dedicated the next twelve years in graduate school at the University of Arizona to exploring all aspects of interpersonal communication. She realized that we all possess inherent power and must learn to harness it. Thus, the title of her book reflects diagnostic and diplomatic secrets: “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower” will open new doors that positively change our interpersonal interactions.