How does Puerto Rico's unique political and cultural identity shape the lives of its citizens? Can understanding the challenges of a colonial past and present inspire a more equitable future?

Today's guest is Ángel Laureano, a Power Systems Senior Platform Engineer at Cummins Inc. Born and raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 17, Ángel moved to the U.S. to pursue mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida. Now living in Indiana, Ángel reflects on his identity as a Puerto Rican, his connection to home, and the complex relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States.

In this episode, we explore Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. Commonwealth, its colonial history, and the impact of Hurricane Maria. Ángel shares how the island's identity is caught between autonomy and dependence, and the systemic inequalities that define life on the island compared to the mainland U.S. From understanding what it means to be a "second-class citizen" to unpacking the economic and social implications of Puerto Rico's relationship with the U.S., Ángel provides invaluable insights.

We also discuss how Hurricane Maria reshaped Puerto Rico, highlighting both the resilience of its people and the failures of governmental response. Ángel's personal journey through this disaster, coupled with his experiences in education and the evolving dynamics of tourism and gentrification, paints a vivid picture of Puerto Rico's challenges and its enduring spirit. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and what it takes to build a sustainable future for Puerto Rico.