12:00 PM Join us for a gallery talk with Dr. Emily Aguiló Pérez as she explores the cultural impact of Barbie and how the iconic doll shapes and reflects narratives of beauty, identity, and empowerment.

2:00 PM Hands-on “deconstructing Barbie” workshop.

Dr. Emily R. Aguiló-Pérez is a scholar, educator, and researcher specializing in youth literatures, Latinx studies, girlhood, and children’s media. An Associate Professor of English at West Chester University, her work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and play—especially through Barbie dolls, Disney, and Latinx childhood experiences. With a passion for storytelling and representation, she examines how young people engage with literature and media. Her book, An American Icon in Puerto Rico: Barbie, Girlhood, and Colonialism at Play, delves into the cultural impact of Barbie on Puerto Rican girls. https://emilyaguiloperez.com/