Hispanic Speakers

Essayist Richard Rodriguez discusses how America - and every American - is shaped by the continual interaction of cultures, blurring boundaries between "black" and "white," Hispanic and Anglo. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books "Hunger of Memory," "Days of Obligation: An Argument With My Mexican Father" and "Brown: The Last Discovery of America."

Named the #1 new Latino author to watch in 2010 by LatinoStores.com, Carolina De Robertis is the author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling novel "The Invisible Mountain," which has been published in sixteen countries and twelve languages. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and O, The Oprah Magazine.

In the debate about immigration, we often forget the human side of the story. Enrique Morones is determined to help us remember. The founder of Border Angels, a humanitarian organization which provides support and relief to migrant workers on the US-Mexican border, he wants Americans to know the truth about the people behind the immigration policy debates, both migrants and the vigilante Minutemen.

Comedian and Actress Diana Yanez, tells a powerful and fantastically funny, personal account of growing up Cuban, Catholic and closeted in Miami! She is Winner of the Overall Excellence Award at the 2010 New York International Fringe Festival and has appeared Off-Broadway in Margaret Cho's “Sensuous Woman” as well as with Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Henry and Rosie O'Donnell.

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who covers Latin American affairs, his insights and ability to gain access to the luminaries who rule offers a unique perspective on political concerns, history, and the future. His books include "Castro's Final Hour" and "Bordering on Chaos."

Hector Cantú created his first newspaper cartoon when he was twelve. Now he is the writer and co-creator of the successful syndicated comic strip Baldo. Through sophisticated gentle humor, he seeks to bring a different perspective to daily comic pages, giving a peek into the daily lives of a Latino family. Canto speaks frequently on Latino images in pop culture, and reaching out to Latino youth.

Human Trafficking is one of the most ignored and tragic social justice issues that effects our world today. She is the founder of the first non-governmental organization combating sexual exploitation around the globe.

How should America deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants living and working among us? Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, makes the case that restricting immigration is a matter of national security and economic stability. Human rights activist Enrique Morones, founder of the humanitarian organization Border Angels, reminds us that behind the discussions of policies and national borders are the lives of real people.

Ms. magazine columnist Hernandez -- self-described as a "Catholic Cuban-Colombian girl from New Jersey" – offers perspectives of life lived as young feminists of color, exploring commonalities and cultural differences and examining macho cultures and American capitalism. She expresses a more radical, racialized feminism that broadens the movement beyond its early incarnation. 

Acclaimed Puerto Rican author Esmeralda Santiago is critically praised for her work both as a memoirist (When I Was Puerto Rican, The Turkish Lover) and as a novelist ( America’s Dream, Conquistadora). In both genres, Santiago writes about cultural awakenings and the wider understanding that follows.Her writing has been called “…full of passion and authority”, “…thrilling, and page-turning”.