4th Friday – October 24, 2025 – Guatemala

Join us for the Valparaiso International Center’s October Fourth Friday Speaker Series — an evening of stories, travel, and cultural reflection with Pedro Portillo, whose life beautifully bridges the experiences of Guatemala and the United States.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso, Indiana

Born in Chicago to his mother, Dolores Portillo — who immigrated from Guatemala — Pedro’s life has been shaped by both American and Guatemalan cultures. Though raised in the United States, he spent much of his childhood in Guatemala City, where he still has family and deep roots. His travels there have taken him to breathtaking places such as Tikal, Lake Atitlán, San Lucas, and Antigua, each rich in history and beauty.

After a long pause in his travels following the Great Recession, Pedro recently returned to Guatemala and rediscovered his mother’s homeland with new appreciation — an experience that deepened his understanding of identity, family, and belonging.

Pedro holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago and currently works with the Social Security Administration. Beyond his professional life, he has visited 14 countries and numerous U.S. cities — from Seattle to Philadelphia, New York to New Orleans. He also runs a YouTube channel, ThinksTooMuch, where he explores immigrant communities around the United States, highlighting stories of resilience and connection.

What to Expect:

A heartfelt presentation on Pedro’s recent travels to Guatemala and his reflections on rediscovering his roots.
Beautiful photos and personal stories from Guatemala’s most iconic landmarks.
Insights into Pedro’s broader travels and his work showcasing immigrant experiences across the U.S.
An open, welcoming space for conversation about culture, identity, and belonging.

This evening promises to be a warm and engaging journey — one that connects the personal with the global and celebrates the many ways travel helps us understand who we are.