Sometimes the biggest milestones don’t arrive loudly. They appear quietly, almost like a sentence waiting patiently to be written. When I learned that I had been selected as an invited guest at BookCon, I paused for a moment, and not because I didn’t believe it, but because I understood what it represented. It wasn’t just an invitation. It was a reminder that storytelling has always been at the center of everything I do.
As a teacher, journalist, professor, and lifelong reader, I have spent years encouraging students to believe that their voices matter. Whether guiding Journalism 1 students through their first interview, mentoring Creative Writing students as they draft their first stories, or teaching university courses in Mass Communications, I remind them that stories shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Being invited to participate in a national literary space where stories are celebrated feels deeply meaningful, not only professionally, but personally.
My journey began in the newsroom long before the classroom. After more than fifteen years working as a journalist and writer, contributing to publications including The Miami Herald, Where Magazine, and OUTSFL, I transitioned into education in 2015 with the goal of helping students connect writing with real-world experiences. Over time, the classroom became an extension of
the newsroom: a place where curiosity leads the way and storytelling becomes a powerful tool for connection.
BookCon represents a gathering of voices, such as authors, educators, journalists, creators, and readers, and all united by the shared belief that stories matter. It is exciting to participate in a space where literature, pop culture, media, and creativity intersect. These are the same intersections that inspire my work every day, whether I am moderating conversations with authors, writing about books and travel, or encouraging students to see storytelling as both an art and a responsibility.
As a Puerto Rican storyteller, educator, and advocate for literacy, I believe strongly in the importance of representation and access. Stories help us see possibilities beyond our immediate surroundings. They help us imagine new futures, explore identity, and better understand each other. This is something I strive to bring into every classroom and every article I write. The opportunity to contribute to conversations at BookCon reinforces the idea that storytelling continues to evolve, connecting communities across disciplines and experiences.
What makes this moment especially meaningful is knowing that the same passion I encourage in my students is the passion that continues to guide my own work. I often tell my classes that writing is not just about producing words on a page, but it is about listening, observing, questioning, and finding meaning. Being invited to BookCon feels like an extension of that philosophy, a reminder that storytelling is a lifelong journey.
Most importantly, this experience reflects the incredible community of readers, students, educators, and fellow writers who believe in the power of ideas. Every interview conducted, every article written, every lesson taught contributes to a larger conversation about creativity, literacy, and the importance of sharing our perspectives.
Stories connect us. Stories challenge us. Stories stay with us.
And sometimes, stories bring us exactly where we are meant to be.
If You Go
Event: BookCon Focus: Publishing, storytelling, pop culture, and media conversations featuring authors, journalists, educators, and creators
Dates: April 18 and 19, 2026
Event Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Website: https://www.bookcon.com
Panel Information and Dates: View Guest Profile
