Dr. Rolando J. Díaz, chair and associate professor in the department of English, Humanities, and Languages at Southeastern Oklahoma State University has been recognized as an Award-Winning Author by the 2025 International Latino Book Awards (ILBA). The ILBA is the largest awards ceremony in the USA which celebrates achievements in Latino literature. Tales from the Tortilla Curtain and Other Stories is speculative fiction/science fiction book with social commentary imagining what would happen if the Great Wall of the Americas – otherwise known as the Tortilla Curtain – were ever completed along the border between the United States and Mexico. Dr. Díaz hopes to continue writing and translating books which accurately reflect the Latino/Chicano/Hispanic experience, including the history, language, culture, and identity of this diverse community. Tales from the Tortilla Curtain and Other Stories has been published by Proisle Publishing and is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.