As the author of acclaimed novels like The Only Road and Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla, Alexandra Diaz has dedicated her career to telling stories of resilience and empowerment. The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS) recently hosted Diaz for a week-long residency centered on writing and community engagement.
Throughout the week of April 13, Diaz visited locations across Wisconsin to share her experiences as a writer and the daughter of Cuban refugees. Her visit provided students and residents with a direct look at the craft of storytelling, specifically focusing on the themes of immigration and heritage that defines her work.
The residency opened on Monday morning at Oconomowoc High School, where Diaz led a writing workshop for students. This session allowed young writers to develop their ability to write with cultural sensitivity, as well as enhanced creativity, from an acclaimed author for children and teens.
“I love being part of the project at Oconomowoc High School and hope to continue this relationship in upcoming years,” said Diaz. “Not only is it something I wish I could have done as a student, it’s so rewarding to know the difference these books are making.”
After the high school visit, Diaz traveled to Centro Hispano of Dane County—a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering the local Latino community—for an afternoon workshop presented in Spanish. These initial sessions focused on reaching students in different educational settings, offering them a chance to discuss the writing process in both English and Spanish.
Diaz shared that it is a rare treat to speak in Spanish with “mi gente” (my people) in a workshop setting. “The students at the Centro Hispano were there because they wanted to be there and seemed interested to know about me and my books.”
Due to inclement weather, Diaz’s final event – a writing and craft workshop for middle schoolers at George Culver Library in Sauk City – has been postponed.
This series of events was a collaborative effort involving Centro Hispano, the George Culver Community Library, the Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC), and the ongoing partnership between LACIS, Oconomowoc High School, and Guatemalan Service Projects.
Through this residency, LACIS built a direct connection between international literature and local communities by highlighting Diaz’s unique perspective as a Spanish translator and professional stilt walker.
To learn more about LACIS and their community outreach, visit the LACIS website or follow them on Instagram.