Esmeralda Santiago is a Puerto Rican author and memoirist, best known for her book, When I Was Puerto Rican. Born in 1948 in San Juan, she moved to New York City at a young age, where she faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Her writing often explores themes of identity, immigration, and the experiences of Puerto Rican women. In addition to her memoirs, Santiago has written novels, essays, and children's books. She has received several awards for her work, including the Pura Belpré Award. Santiago is also a prominent speaker and advocate for the arts and education, inspiring many through her personal story and literary contributions.