Ana Patricia Rodríguez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and an affiliate associate professor in American Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. She also serves as affiliate faculty at the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center. Holding a Ph.D. and M.A. in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, her work bridges academic scholarship and community engagement. Her research focuses on Central American and U.S. Latina/o literatures, transnational migration, diaspora studies, gender studies, and community-based research. Her publications include the seminal book *Dividing the Isthmus* (2009) and co-edited volumes like *De la hamaca al trono* (2013). She has held leadership roles such as President of the Latina/o Studies Association (2017-2019) and serves on advisory boards for institutions like the Smithsonian Latino Gallery and CARECEN. Rodríguez has secured grants including an NEH Access Grant for her 'Home Stories' digital storytelling project (2017-2020). Her research consistently addresses diasporic identities, memory, and social justice, with recent work emphasizing Salvadoran communities in the Washington D.C. area. Over 20 years, her articles have explored topics ranging from transnational author genealogies to the intersection of crime fiction and cultural stereotypes. Awarded multiple teaching and service recognitions, including the 2016 'Making a Difference' Award, she integrates community engagement into her pedagogy. Courses taught include graduate seminars on Latinx diasporas and undergraduate studies on Central American cultures. Her advisory roles span academic, cultural, and community organizations.










