🎓 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™

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.

Empowering Communities: Isabella & Ferdinand® and Miami Emprendedores Join Forces

On Tuesday, January 30th, our director Maira Abasto had the opportunity to share a Live space on the Instagram platform with Carola Reina, founder of Miami Emprendedores, a network of Hispanic entrepreneurs located in Miami, US. We have an alliance with them to promote the work of Hispanic entrepreneurs within the United States and to enrich our community by supporting each other and expanding our classes to the state of Florida.

On this occasion, we had the opportunity to present our project. Our director emphasized our community assistance efforts for the past 13 years, aiming to teach Spanish as a second language, not only to the children of immigrants in this country but also to anyone who wishes to open new doors in the academic and professional fields, contributing to the globalization of the market and all that entails proficiently managing other languages.

Furthermore, she informed about the various courses available in both in-person and online formats for all levels, reminding that our academy is certified by Cervantes, accrediting us as a venue for conducting DELE level exams and preparing students for them. Additionally, Abasto extended an invitation to our new project, Teacher Training Courses with Cervantes certification to teach Spanish, emphasizing that it's not only about mastering the language but also the pedagogy required to teach it effectively and meet the requirements for teaching the language correctly. Since our inception in Miami, where we operated for a few years, we have fostered alliances across the United States to bring our program to more places and continue helping our community.

That's why we have been motivated to work hand in hand with the Miami Emprendedores network. To conclude, she commented on our plans for the future, starting with the realization of the Summer Camp 2024, as well as the intention to create an Isabella and Ferdinand branch in Miami. As we embark on this journey of empowerment, we are committed to continuing our mission of fostering Spanish language learning and cultural immersion.

Together with our partners at Miami Emprendedores, we strive to uplift Hispanic entrepreneurs across the United States. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future, one enriched by language, culture, and community.

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Isabella & Ferdinand at the Washington Global Annual Showcase Benefit

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Celebrating a Decade of Partnership

We are delighted to share our recent experience attending the Washington Global Annual Showcase Benefit held on June 7th at the prestigious Qatar American Institute for Culture. As proud partners of Washington Global Charter School for the past 10 years, we were honored to support and participate in this remarkable event that celebrates the achievements of their students and raises funds to further their award-winning academic program. This year's showcase was particularly special as it highlighted the outstanding results of our Spanish language program, led by our Executive Director, Maira Abastos and the dedicated Isabella and Ferdinand academy program teacher, Mrs. Lizeth Saavedra.

Supporting Future Global Leaders:

The Washington Global Annual Showcase Benefit is a highly anticipated event that brings together the entire school community, sponsors, board members, and supporters to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Washington Global Charter School. It serves as a vital platform to raise essential funds that contribute to sustaining and enhancing their renowned academic program, which aims to foster future global leaders. We are immensely proud to have played a significant role in supporting their mission through our partnership over the past decade.

The showcase provided an exceptional platform for the students of Washington Global to showcase their exceptional talents and achievements throughout the year. We were privileged to witness firsthand the progress and growth of our Spanish language program students under the guidance of Mrs. Lizeth Saavedras, an exemplary Isabella and Ferdinand academy program teacher. Through Mrs. Saavedras' dedication and expertise, our students have not only developed strong language skills but have also gained cultural awareness and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.

As proud partners of Washington Global Charter School, Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español remains committed to shaping a brighter future for our students. Our ongoing partnership focuses on providing immersive Spanish language education and promoting cultural understanding within the Washington Global community. Together, we are shaping a future where global citizens thrive, embrace diversity, and make a positive impact on the world.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Washington Global Charter School on a highly successful showcase and express our unwavering support for their ongoing efforts to cultivate and empower future leaders. Let us continue working hand in hand to create educational opportunities that empower students and nurture their dreams.