El Salvador – Fourth Friday – May 2026

The Valparaiso International Center’s May 2026 Fourth Friday Speaker Series welcomed guests for a memorable evening celebrating the culture, traditions, and people of El Salvador through the personal story of featured speaker Rosa Wiegel.

Held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about El Salvador through the experiences of someone who has lived its culture and recently made Northwest Indiana her home.

Rosa was born and raised in Nahuizalco, a small community in the Sonsonate region of El Salvador. During her presentation, she shared stories of her childhood, family traditions, and the values that shaped her upbringing. She also spoke about her educational journey, which led her to Honduras, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Administration from Zamorano University.

The evening highlighted Rosa’s path to the United States through a program with The Ohio State University, where she worked in the field of animal genetics. Audience members enjoyed hearing about the opportunities and challenges she encountered as she adapted to a new culture, learned English, and built a new life in America.

Rosa also shared how she met her husband, James Wiegel, and eventually settled in Valparaiso, where she now works as a Neonatal Technician at eGenesis. Her reflections on the welcoming nature of the local community resonated with many in attendance.

A central theme of the presentation was Rosa’s desire to serve as a cultural ambassador for her homeland. She spoke passionately about the changes El Salvador has experienced in recent years and highlighted the beauty of the country, the strength of its family values, the dedication of its people, and its rich cultural traditions.

Guests also enjoyed learning about traditional Salvadoran cuisine and hospitality, which added a personal and engaging dimension to the evening’s discussion.

The Valparaiso International Center thanks Rosa Wiegel for sharing her inspiring journey and for providing such a warm introduction to the culture and traditions of El Salvador. Her presentation embodied the spirit of the Fourth Friday Speaker Series by fostering understanding, connection, and appreciation for the diverse experiences that enrich our community.