San Miguel Global Literary Institute/San Miguel Literary Sala
EXECUTIVE
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 Book this Year
So hard to pick one book. I’m naming the two that kept me up at night:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin. (Breathtaking!)
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 Book this year
James by Pericival Everett
Favorite quote
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
Renee DiMuzio,
Executive Assistant
ENGLISH PROGRAM
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 book this year
I have to plug my own novel: The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni
Favorite quote
The past is prologue.
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 book this year
THESE PRECIOUS DAYS by Ann Patchett
Favorite quote
Isadora Duncan: “You were once wild. Don’t let them tame you.”
Karla Parra,
Partnerships & Education Director
Karla Parra, Partnerships & Education Director
What most excites you about the Writers’ Conference?
Being surrounded by accomplished writers and teachers whose knowledge and energy will no doubt nudge me closer to publishing my first book!
What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the Conference?
With a background in Communications, Learning & Development, and a 10-year career in Management Consulting, it’s an honor to lend my skills in strategic planning, design thinking, project management, and relationship-building to the conference. I’m also a bilingual Mexican-American (born and raised in Mexico) and appreciate the opportunity to lend my cross-cultural understanding and language skills to help shape a conference that truly crosses borders.
Favorite book this year
Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Favorite quote
“Canta y no llores” (I have this lyric from “Cielito Lindo” tattooed on my ankle)
Judyth Hill,
Special Programs Director
SPANISH PROGRAM
Armida Zepeda GM, Spanish Program 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 Book this year
I have always said that my favorite book is the one I am going to read. Extrañas by Guillermo Arriaga fascinated me.
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.
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 book this year
This year, I choose The Summer My Mother Had Green Eyes by Tatiana Ţîbuleac as my favorite book, for the profound and heartbreaking beauty with which it tells the story of a reunion between a mother and her son. It is a story about forgiveness, the fragility of love, and the luminous possibility of reconciliation — even when it seems too late.
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.
Rosi Zorilla,
Teen Program Director
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Patricia García,
Creative & Technical Services Director
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.
Ben Widdicombe,
Public Relations & Editorial Strategy Director
Tania Paillot,
Conference Artist & Graphic Designer
FINANCE
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 book this year
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni
Favorite quote
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
RUMI
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 Book this year
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
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
PRODUCTION/OPERATIONS
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 book this year
Impossible to pick one…
Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu
American Dirt, Jeanine Cummins
Favorite quote
“It is what it is”… I use it way to often to not respect and love it.
Jailan Adly,
Director Global Engagement & Volunteer Director
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 book this year
Solito by Javier Zamora
Favorite quote
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. — Mahatma Gandhi