Musical Selection — 11:30 a.m.
Opening remarks — 11:45 a.m.

Panel One — noon

Internationally renowned scholars will discuss the political, historical and cultural legacy of Operación Pedro Pan (1960-1962).

Luis Martínez Fernández

Luis Martínez Fernández, a UCF historian specializing in Cuba, will foreground the events leading to Operación Pedro Pan, discuss the salient events of its two-year span, and contextualize the aftermath both in the US and Cuba.

Alexis Castellanos

Alexis Castellanos, a graphic novelist, will discuss the creative processes surrounding the retelling of the historical event through visual representation and articulation of post-memory.

María de los Ángeles Torres

María de los Ángeles Torres, University of Illinois Chicago, is Distinguished Latin American Studies professor and Operación Pedro Pan expert who will contribute specific context and a humanities-focused overview.

Ilenia Colón Mendoza

Ilenia Colón Mendoza, a UCF art historian and specialist in Latin American art, will highlight the work and life of artist Ana Mendieta, who drew from her experiences as an Operación Pedro Pan survivor.

Panel Two — 1:20 p.m.

Community experts will share their personal perspectives to aid in our understanding of the profound impact of Pedro Pan on their lives.

Karina Céspedes

Karina Céspedes, a humanities and cultural studies scholar who studies Cuba, will serve as the moderator.

Norma Hern

Norma Hern, a community expert who arrived with her two younger siblings via Operación Pedro Pan.

Isabel Barrabeitg

Isabel Barrabeitg, a community expert, an only child, who arrived in 1961.

Barbara Palacios Wessels

Barbara Palacios Wessels is a community expert who arrived with her two younger siblings via Operación Pedro Pan in 1962.