SAN MIGUEL GLOBAL LITERARY INSTITUTE
Vision, Mission & Values
OUR VISION
Uniting the world through stories.
OUR MISSION
To connect writers, readers, and storytellers across language, culture, and genre.
OUR VALUES
We foster a vibrant community that believes in:
Connection:
We prioritize making genuine personal and professional connections.
Welcoming:
Everyone belongs here! Diverse voices are celebrated and dialogue is encouraged.
Learning:
We nurture a culture of growth and innovation and honor different ways of working.
Joy:
We infuse fun and enthusiasm into everything we do.
Sense of Place:
We honor the rich heritage, warmth, and artistic spirit of San Miguel de Allende.
Board of Directors
USA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Prior,
Chair
Susan Koen,
Secretary
Dorit Arazi,
Treasurer
Jaina Sanga,
Board Member
MEXICO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Page,
President
Camila Sánchez,
Secretary
Diana Guerra,
Treasurer
Our Team
LEADERSHIP
Susan Page,
Founder & President
Susan Page, Founder & President
What Excites me Most About the Writers’ Conference
The Writers’ Conference has put San Miguel on the Literary Map of the world and brings $3,000,000 usd into the economy of San Miguel in one week (big picture excitement). Plus, I love the experience itself: high-level thrills combined with intimate connections. It is an enchanting week.
What skills and experience do I bring to the Conference.
As a best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur, with years immersed in the non-profit world, I bring book-world experience and organizational skills. I bring a passion for warm, positive, supportive human connections. I organized my Brownie Troop in the third grade and have been starting organizations ever since, including the San Miguel Literary Sala (and Writers’ Conference) twenty years ago.
Favorite Quotes
“For most of history, anonymous was a woman.”
— Virginia Wolff
“Once the dust of Mexico settles on your heart, you will have no rest in any other land.”
— Anita Brenner: Idols Behind Altars
Jodi Pincus,
Executive Director
Jodi Pincus, Executive Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
The opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of writers and readers, learn from industry experts and literary talents, and inspire new collaborations and ideas in the dynamic, creative, and innovative environment of beautiful San Miguel de Allende, and of course, celebrate our 20th anniversary.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
With a passion for learning, insatiable curiosity, a collaborative leadership style, and over two decades of executive-level expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, financial management, and community-driven initiatives, I’m eager to leverage my skills to help the conference reach new heights.
Favorite quote
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
Armida Zepeda, Spanish Program General Director
Armida Zepeda GM, Spanish Program Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
I am excited to facilitate five days of Fiction and Poetry between writers and readers in San Miguel de Allende. As a culture promoter, I know the literary scene in Mexico, which allows me to interact with literary professionals whom I am thrilled to invite to the festival.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
Collaborating with people from other countries and cultures, each with different skills, leads to new proposals, original ideas, and above all, friendships during the months of preparation and creation of the programs and events. Teamwork is essential to achieving the goal: that attendees enjoy an unforgettable literary experience.
Favorite quote
“In the end, the fundamental question of philosophy (like that of psychoanalysis) coincides with that of the detective novel: who is the guilty one?” — Umberto Eco.
TEAM MEMBERS
Daniela Franco,
Volunteer Director
Dorit Arazi,
Treasurer
Dorit Arazi, Treasurer
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
Being part of an international community of interesting people who love to read and write, as well as the opportunity to meet and learn from distinguished writers across various genres. I love hosting such interesting people in my hometown of San Miguel!
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
Having worked as an English teacher for 30 years (and being a bookworm myself), I have a great love and understanding of literature. I was also treasurer at my school, which gave me the experience to become treasurer for the SMWC. After being an integral part of the SMWC executive for the past almost 20 years, I now have a deeper knowledge and understanding of our attendees and what they are looking to get out of the conference – and always do my best to help exceed their expectations.
Favorite quote
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Renee DiMuzio,
Executive Assistant
Alicia Falango,
Events & Operations Director
Alicia Falango, Events & Operations Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
The chance to design spaces and activities that enhance the exchange of ideas among the literary community is incredibly thrilling.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
With over two decade of experience as an event producer, I bring a unique blend of design expertise and a commitment to creating immersive experiences that engage all the senses, ensuring every event is memorable and impactful. My skills in conceptualizing and executing multi-sensory environments have consistently resulted in highly successful and unforgettable events.
Favorite quote
“It is what it is”… I use it way to often to not respect and love it.
Patricia García,
Creative & Technical Services Director
Diana Guerra,
Registrar Finance Director
Diana Guerra, Registrar Finance Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
I am very excited to be part of the Writers’ Conference to discover a new creative universe.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
I will be the community outreach responsible. I am a catalyst of social innovation projects. My strengths in communication allow me to help organizations to crystallize a vision focused on social impact connecting with local communities.
Favorite quote
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
RUMI
Laila Gutiérrez,
Communication & Technical Director
Laila Gutiérrez, Communication & Technical Director
Born in Mexico City to an American mother and Mexican father, brought up in a totally bicultural environment. Moved to San Miguel de Allende six years ago and have loved every minute of it. I have a background in communications and have worked as a costume designer for Mexican telenovelas, movies and short films. Made my transition into digital marketing when I launched the first eShop fashion store in Mexico for a Mexican women’s clothing brand, having also setup their social media strategy and productions of all photo campaigns. Co-owner of a digital marketing agency for 6 years until I moved to San Miguel and started my own business reaching out to local businesses.
Judyth Hill,
Special Programs Director
Jeanne Mills,
Faculty Director
Jeanne Mills, Faculty Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
This is the 20th anniversary of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival. I’m happy to be part of such long-standing excellence and integrity.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
I worked as Faculty Coordinator for three years. It’s a joy to share the delights of San Miguel de Allende with visiting faculty.
Favorite quote
Isadora Duncan: “You were once wild. Don’t let them tame you.”
Mary Molinaro,
Bookstore & Sala Member Director
Mary Molinaro, Bookstore & Sala Member Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
The Writers’ Conference provides a rare opportunity for writing enthusiasts and book lovers to unite and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere filled with remarkable individuals.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
As both a librarian and an ardent reader, I contribute not only my organizational skills but also a profound passion for literature to the Conference. My deep reverence for authors fuels my eagerness to wholeheartedly support this remarkable event.
Favorite quote
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. — Mahatma Gandhi
Susana Pagano,
Spanish Program Assistant Director
Susana Pagano, Spanish Program Assistant Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
What excites me most about the San Miguel Writers’ Conference is the opportunity to meet interesting people and connect with national and internationally renowned writers. I thoroughly enjoy learning about literary avant-gardes and discovering how new technologies can be integrated into the world of literature.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
What I can contribute to the Festival is my 30 years of experience as a narrative writer and screenwriter, along with my perspective from the fine arts, as I am also a visual artist. I believe this combination of skills and perspectives can enrich the discussions and activities at the Festival.
Favorite quote
“I waited thirty years for you to come back, Susana. I waited to have it all. Not just something, but everything that could be obtained so that we would have no desires left, only yours, the desire for you…” from “Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo.
Tania Paillot,
Conference Artist & Graphic Designer
Danielle Trussoni,
English Program Director
Danielle Trussoni, English Program Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
Bringing writers and readers from across North America (and the world!) to San Miguel to celebrate writing and literature is thrilling.
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
I am a New York Times and Internationally bestselling novelist who is deeply involved in the world of writing. I am also a critic. I was a book columnist forThe New York Times and was the chair jurist of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. My skills as a working writer help me see the conference from a writer’s perspective, and to create programs that are both deeply meaningful and enjoyable.
Favorite quote
The past is prologue.
Ben Widdicombe,
Editorial Director
Rosi Zorilla,
Teen Program Director
Advisory Board
Liliana Avilés
Rosaleen Bertolino
Luis Camarera
Josh Chernikoff
Débora Chu
Tony Cohan
Jorge Coro
María Finley
Antonieta Ford
Daniela Elena Franco
Tayler Friar
Horacio García Rojas
Anna Knutson Geller
Judith Gille
Wayne Grady
Sally Avigdor Grezemkovsky
Jaime Hemken
Rozella Kennedy
Yolanda Lacarieri
Yolanda Lacarieri
Kim Malcolm
Anne Marie Jackson
Judith Jenya
Alex MacLeod
Carl Manlan
Elizabeth Moranz
Alex Morrison
Beverly Nelson
Karla Parra
Óscar Plazola
Camila Sánchez Bolaño
Ellen Sharp
Gael Sherman
Merilyn Simonds
Duncan Tonatiuh Smith Hernández
Ricardo Talavera Muñoz
Luis Miguel Yamín
Rosi Zorilla
About the Conference
Learn how the Conference began HERE.
A Literary History of San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende has been luring writers to its colonial courtyards, glorious sunsets, and quiet writing studios for many decades. Learn about San Miguel’s literary history HERE.
About Our Logo
Learn about the local legend that inspired our logo HERE.