Programs & Projects
The programs and projects collected here explore the relationship between language, story, learning, and community. Developed in collaboration with learners, partners, and local organizations, they create opportunities for conversation, reflection, skill-building, and connection. While each project responds to a particular context, all are grounded in a shared commitment to attention, participation, and care.
Selected Work
Community Learning & Engagement
Conversation Cafe
Weekly community conversations organized around a different theme each week, inviting English learners to practice language, share experiences, build confidence, and form meaningful connections.
Partner: Chicago Public Library
Storytelling & Performance
Program Development & Facilitation
Resilient Roots
A storytelling series exploring resilience, memory, and belonging through writing, dialogue, and community-based reflection.
Everyday Democracy
Facilitated conversations organized around themes of belonging, listening, community challenges, and civic participation.
Partner: McKinley Park Development Council
Performing Everyday Life
A workshop series using performance practices to explore attention, embodiment, storytelling, and everyday experience.
English Language Studio
Community-based language learning that combines practical communication skills with reflection, creativity, and relationship-building.
Storytelling & Community Voices
Community-based language learning that combines practical communication skills with reflection, creativity, and relationship-building.
Featured Project: Maria Elena
Maria Elena shares a story about her mother—one of strength, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through reflection and personal narrative, she honors her mother’s experiences while considering the ways family stories shape who we become. Developed as part of the Learn English Through Sound program at Aquinas Literacy Center, this learner spotlight highlights the power of storytelling to preserve memory, build connection, and give voice to lived experience.
Community Partners
Many of these programs are developed in collaboration with schools, libraries, community organizations, and neighborhood partners. Together, we create opportunities for learning, storytelling, dialogue, and community engagement that build on local strengths, experiences, and aspirations.
Select partnerships include:
Chicago Public Library
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Equity for All of Us
McKinley Park Development Council
National Museum of Mexican Art
Just Roots Chicago
Byline Bank
Interested In Collaborating?
I welcome opportunities to partner with schools, libraries, community organizations, and cultural institutions on projects involving storytelling, facilitation, learning, and community engagement.