🎓 Celebrating the Completion of the English Program for Nursing Assistants

This fall, 18 Hispanic adults proudly completed our English Program for Nursing Assistants, developed in partnership with Identity Youth. Designed specifically for aspiring and current nursing assistants, the course focused on practical English language skills needed in medical and caregiving contexts.

Over the course of several months, participants worked diligently on building vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and practicing real-life scenarios that they will encounter in healthcare settings. The program emphasized communication, confidence, and cultural understanding, all essential tools for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

While Isabella & Ferdinand® is widely recognized as a Spanish academy, we are equally committed to providing English-language programs that meet the needs of our community. This initiative reflects our mission to support learners not only in embracing the Spanish language and culture, but also in empowering bilingual professionals to thrive in their workplaces and daily lives.

The culmination of this course represents much more than the end of a class — it is a milestone in empowering individuals to succeed professionally, access better opportunities, and provide compassionate care to patients. It also highlights the transformative power of collaboration between nonprofits and community organizations in creating pathways to education and employment.

We congratulate every student for their commitment and growth, and we thank our partner Identity Youth for joining us in this mission. Together, we are not only teaching languages, but also building bridges to a brighter future.

“At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language is not only a tool for communication, but a bridge to opportunity. Seeing 18 dedicated Hispanic adults complete this English program is a powerful reminder of how education can transform lives and open doors to brighter futures.”

— Maira Abasto, Director Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

🥑 Whole Foods Supports Our Community with a Special Donation

At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, our mission extends beyond teaching Spanish. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where children and families feel connected, supported, and inspired.

This month, we were delighted to receive a generous donation of healthy snacks from Whole Foods Market. While it may seem like a small gesture, the impact goes far beyond the treats themselves. Sharing these snacks with our students created moments of joy, fueled their learning with energy, and reminded us of the importance of partnerships between local businesses and community organizations.

By supporting our programs, Whole Foods is investing in the well-being of children and reinforcing the idea that education flourishes when community members come together. It is a beautiful reminder that when we unite efforts — schools, families, and businesses — we can build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Whole Foods Market for believing in our mission and for making a difference in the daily lives of our students.

Isabella & Ferdinand® Joins Washington Global for a Night of Culture and Celebration

By Alejandra Martinez.-

On a beautiful spring evening, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español had the honor of participating in the Washington Global Spring Benefit, hosted at the Tunisian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C.

A Night of Global Connection and Celebration

The event brought together educators, families, and community partners to celebrate the diverse cultures represented at Washington Global. We were proud to contribute to this evening of unity and learning, showcasing how Spanish language and Hispanic culture open doors to connection and understanding.

Spanish Through Culture

At our booth, guests were invited to explore our immersive approach to Spanish education. Highlights included:

• Our “Passport to Spain” activity, where students shared facts about Spanish geography, art, and traditions.

• A collaborative Joan Miró-inspired art station, where attendees of all ages expressed their creativity while learning vocabulary in Spanish.

• A storytelling corner, featuring El toro Ferdinando, one of our students’ favorite spring themes.

💡 Why It Matters

Our mission is to help students grow as global citizens through authentic language learning experiences. Events like the Spring Benefit remind us of the importance of building bridges across cultures—and how early language immersion makes that possible.

“This unforgettable evening was a true testament to the power of language and cultural education. We are honored to have shared this experience with Washington Global and the Tunisian Embassy, and look forward to continuing to inspire young minds through meaningful cultural immersion and global learning opportunities.”

-Maira Abasto, Director

Thank you to the Washington Global team and the Embassy of Tunisia for including us in such a meaningful celebration.

A Day of Culture and Connection at the País Invitado Cultural Immersion Event

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of participating in the País Invitado Project—a vibrant cultural immersion event celebrating Bolivia and Latin America. Held at the Armenian Church and sponsored by the Bolivian Embassy and Conectate Foundation, the event brought together families, vendors, artisans, and educators to share and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly took part as a vendor, showcasing our programs and sharing exciting plans for our Summer Camp 2025.

Families were warmly welcomed as they explored various artisan booths offering handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and crafts inspired by the Bolivian tradition of Alasitas, symbolizing abundance and good fortune. The event was filled with colorful displays that brought the sights and sounds of Latin American culture to life.

The energy was palpable as both children and adults savored delicious traditional Bolivian cuisine, mingled with vendors, and enjoyed live music and dance performances. One of the event's highlights was a captivating Caporales dance, which mesmerized the audience and celebrated the deep connection between art, music, and heritage.

In addition to the cultural festivities, Miriam Ybarnegaray, one of our talented teachers, led a fun and interactive art class that delighted both young and old. The children especially enjoyed creating their own artworks, inspired by Bolivian culture, while practicing their Spanish skills in a hands-on, creative setting.

Our Isabella & Ferdinand® team was present throughout the event, connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing details about our educational programs. We were thrilled to see so many parents and children eager to learn more about how we incorporate language learning with cultural experiences.

"Participating in the 1st event of the País Invitado Project was an incredibly enriching experience for our community. It was an honor to share the cultural richness of Bolivia and Latin America while fostering Spanish learning in a creative and interactive way. At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language goes beyond words; it's a gateway to culture and understanding. We're excited to continue offering these spaces of learning and culture for our families."

Maira Abasto, Executive Director - Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

This event was a testament to the importance of community, culture, and learning. We are honored to have been part of such a special day, and we thank the Bolivian Embassy and all the organizers for hosting this enriching experience. We look forward to many more opportunities to bring families together through language, art, and the vibrant cultures of Latin America.

Introducing Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program, a meaningful initiative designed to give gently used or new toys, books, school supplies, and educational tools a second life. Through Learning Treasures, we aim to create more engaging and enriching learning environments, ensuring that every child has access to the resources that inspire creativity and growth.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Each item donated—whether a toy, book, or educational tool—becomes a treasure in the hands of a child, enhancing their learning experience. By contributing to this program, you’re not just donating materials; you’re making a profound impact on the education of our students, fostering an environment where curiosity, discovery, and joy thrive.

What We're Collecting:

• Gently used or new toys: Bring fun and learning together during playtime.

• Books for all ages: Share the love of reading and help ignite imagination.

• Educational games and puzzles: Promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

• School supplies: Equip students with the tools they need to succeed.

How You Can Make a Difference

Donations can be brought directly to class, where they’ll be collected and distributed to students in need. With your support, we can turn classrooms into vibrant spaces of interactive learning, where each child has access to materials that inspire both creativity and growth.

Together, through Learning Treasures, we can transform simple items into powerful tools for education. Stay tuned for details on collection points and additional ways to get involved. Your generosity will help us build a stronger, more inclusive community of learners.

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@isabellaandferdinand.org to make your material and toy donations.