This Tuesday, June 23, the book “From Cuban Refugee Child to American Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain,” by Eduardo Aguirre, U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2005 to 2009, will be presented. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Ambassadors’ Hall at Casa de América (Plaza de la Cibeles, s/n, Madrid). Admission is free until capacity is reached.
In 1961, fifteen-year-old Eduardo Aguirre arrived alone in Miami from Cuba with only a dime in his pocket and without speaking English. What he lacked in resources, he made up for with resilience and determination. His career took him from humble beginnings to the highest levels of American leadership: president and interim CEO of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the first director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after 9/11, and U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra. His story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the promise of the American Dream.
In this work, Aguirre recounts an extraordinary personal journey marked by perseverance, effort, and overcoming adversity. From his humble origins as a Cuban immigrant in the United States to reaching positions of great responsibility in both the private sector and the U.S. government, the author offers an inspiring testimony about the ability to transform difficulties into opportunities. Through his experiences, the book not only reflects the ideal of the so-called American Dream but also gives voice to the experiences of millions of Latino immigrants who have contributed to the development of the United States while pursuing a better future for themselves and their families.
During the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the author about leadership, immigration, public service, and the lessons learned from a life dedicated to work, resilience, and community engagement.
Welcome:
– León de la Torre Krais, Director General of Casa de América.
Participants:
– Eduardo Aguirre, U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2005 to 2009 and author of the book.
– José Antonio Gurpegui, Director of the Franklin Institute-UAH.
– Ana Lariño Ares, Director of Research and External Relations at the Franklin Institute-UAH.