Dr. Emily Aguiló-Pérez

Services

As a scholar, educator, and public speaker, I bring academic research into meaningful conversation with the world around us. Through speaking engagements, media appearances, hands-on workshops, and consulting work, I focus on topics like girlhood, children’s literature, popular culture, toys, and representation—always aiming to make these discussions engaging, accessible, and relevant. Whether I’m giving a talk, advising on a project, or working with a classroom, my goal is to spark curiosity and critical thinking.

I can offer all services in English and Spanish.

Speaking

I offer talks that blend research with storytelling, humor, and cultural analysis. From keynote lectures to public events, I’ve spoken at universities, museums, and cultural centers in the U.S. and internationally. My presentations often focus on Barbie, Disney, Latinx representation, and childhood studies, and I tailor each talk to the audience and occasion.

Contact Me for a Speaking Engagement

Examples

  • The Life of Barbie at Profs & Pints Baltimore, Philadelphia, & Washington D.C. (Profs & Pints)
  • Barbie Unboxed keynote and workshop at the Barry Art Museum (Barry Art Museum Barbie Day)
  • From Doll to Deity: The Digital Reimagining of Barbie in Religious Discourse. Invited speaker at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland for the International Media, Culture, and Politics Symposium.
  • Transmediating Texts for Children: The Case of Board Books at West Chester University Center for Book History and FHG Special Collections.
  • Good Alice, Naughty Alice: What Has Turned Alice into an Adult? at the Fall 2011 Meeting of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America.

    Workshops

    I design and lead interactive workshops that explore media literacy, youth culture, and critical teaching practices. These sessions are great for educators, students, librarians, and community organizations looking for fresh ways to talk about representation, storytelling, and cultural critique.
    Contact Me To Lead Your Next Workshop

    Examples

    • Reimagining Barbie workshop at the Barry Art Museum’s Barbie Day (Event Page)
    • Making Meaning through Zines for the West Chester Writing Project and the National Council of Teachers of English WCU Student Chapter
    • Social Justice for Children through Latinx Literature Book Club (virtual series co-led with Dr. Daniela Johannes)

      Some Topics for Workshops I can Offer:

      • Using children’s literature to discuss difficult topics
      • From dissertation to published book
      • Transforming Barbie to discuss societal issues
      • Exploring the art of picture books
      • Evaluating and selecting children’s books 
      • Engaging critically with the media we love
      • Writing your personal narrative or statement of purpose
      • Zine creation for a variety of topics or goals (Educational, personal, activism)
      • Using picture books for English Language Learning

      Media

      As an expert frequently featured in news outlets and podcasts, I bring sharp, research-informed insights to conversations about popular culture, toys, media, identity, and consumer culture. I am available for interviews, commentary, collaborative media content creation, and creative partnerships.

      Book an Interview

      Examples

      Consulting

      I work with publishers, toy companies, educational platforms, and nonprofits to provide thoughtful feedback on representation, storytelling, and childhood culture. Whether reviewing children’s books or advising on product development, I help ensure that content is inclusive, accurate, and meaningful.
      Contact Me For Consulting services

      Examples

      • Consultant and literature reviewer for McGraw Hill’s K–6 Literacy Program
      • Special project consultant for toy products 
      • Academic advisor for youth media projects and toy-related educational content
      • Evaluating and selecting children’s books for your classroom (or personal collection)