What We Carry, What We Claim: Latina Writers on Voice, Memory, and Becoming

The event features a moderated panel discussion with four nationally recognized Latina authors: Peggy Robles-Alvarado, Dr. Melissa Coss-Aquino, Adriana Erin Rivera, and Elisabet Velasquez! Together they explore questions of identity, cultural memory, and narrative responsibility. Our moderator is Dr. Vilma Luz Caban, Founder & CEO of .

The program centers on how Latina writers navigate inherited histories and personal experiences. It explores how these authors claim authorship over their stories. Through readings and conversation, the authors will reflect on writing as both a creative and civic practice. It is one that bears witness, preserves cultural memory, and contributes to broader conversations about belonging, equity, and voice.

-Peggy Robles-Alvarado, award winning poet and author of Burn Me Back

-Dr. Melissa Coss-Aquino, award winning author of Carmen and Grace

-Adriana Erin Rivera, award winning author of Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898

-Elisabet Velasquez, award winning poet and author of When We Make It: A Puerto Rican Novel

https://www.casademariapublisher.com/PUBLIC-EVENTS/

Info: DOORS OPEN AT 2:50PM. FIRST 50 GUESTS RECEIVE A FREE RAFFLE TICKET. Our welcoming reception is rooted in cultural pride. This opening reception invites guests to enjoy cultural music, connect with the featured authors during an informal meet-and-greet, and spend time in community.

Info: This opening keynote sets the foundation for the program by exploring what it means to move from carrying lived experience to claiming authorship over it. Drawing from her work as Founder and CEO of Casa de María Publisher, Dr. Cabán reflects on the relationship between culturally based narratives, responsibility, and voice, particularly for writers navigating larger publishing systems and industry expectations.

The keynote invites the audience to consider:

-How stories are shaped within institutional and market driven contexts.
-What it takes for writers to maintain authorship over their voice.
-How memory, identity, and lived experience become narrative.

Grounded in the mission of Casa de María Publisher, this address frames storytelling as both a creative and reflective practice. It raises questions of representation, access, and integrity.

Info: Each featured author will offer a brief presentation that reflects on the theme of the program. Through readings and personal reflection, they will explore how voice, memory, and lived experience shape their work.

These presentations invite the audience into each writer’s process. They highlight how stories are carried across time, how meaning is formed, and what it means to claim authorship with intention.

Drawing from poetry, fiction, and historical narrative, each author brings a distinct perspective to the question of how writers navigate identity, cultural memory, and the responsibility of storytelling.

Info: Following the individual author presentations, the program continues with a moderated discussion that brings the writers into conversation with one another. Guided by Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán, this discussion will explore how each author navigates questions of voice, authorship, and representation within their work. The conversation will also consider the realities of publishing, including the pressures of shaping narratives within larger industry expectations and the challenges of maintaining integrity in voice, character, and storytelling.

Together, the authors will reflect on:

-What it means to remain in authorship while working within established publishing systems?
-How decisions about voice, structure, and representation are negotiated?
-The responsibility of telling stories that are personal, cultural, and historical?

The discussion will then open to audience questions, creating space for shared reflection, dialogue, and deeper engagement with the themes of the program.

Info: This segment offers a preview of upcoming Casa de María Publisher initiatives designed to support writers through reflection, craft, and community. Highlights include the Casa de María Podcast, immersive writing retreats in Puerto Rico, and accessible webinar opportunities that invite writers to engage deeply with story, voice, and purpose. Together, these offerings extend Casa de María’s commitment to creating spaces where narratives are nurtured with care and intention.

Info: This celebratory moment includes a FREE RAFFLE featuring signed books from our authors and a special Casa de María Publisher merchandise raffle. Together, we celebrate connection and the shared joy of stories that bring community together.

Info: Following the program, select raffle winners and attendees will have an opportunity to meet the featured authors and have books signed.

In accordance with the policies of Dwight Hall: Center for Public Service & Social Justice, no books or materials will be available for purchase at the event, and no money will be collected on site.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own copies of books by the participating authors if they would like them signed.

This portion of the program offers a more personal moment of connection, allowing readers to engage directly with the authors and reflect on the conversations shared during the event.

Info: While our guests are waiting to get their books signed, we will open up the dance floor. Alisa Bowens-Mercado is the Director of Alisa's House of Salsa in New Haven, Connecticut. Her passion is dancing and helping us find our rhythm!

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Host or Publisher Vilma Luz Caban