Developing Latinx identity and breaking down educational barriers through high-quality, bilingual after school programs

10:30am-12:00pm EST

Primary Presenter: Emily Blair

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Education through the Lifespan

Description

Navigating the public education system can feel like walking blindfolded through a maze. It is
challenging for anyone, but for families and students who speak English as an additional
language, barriers can seem insurmountable. The Latino Community Center’s SOY (Supporting
Our Youth) Pittsburgh bilingual after school program not only provides a safe and welcoming
space for students, but the staff also act as guides and advocates for families as they engage in
their children’s education. This session will address the realities of public education in
Pittsburgh, and how SOY Pittsburgh has created a thriving and engaging place for students to
grow as bilingual, Latinx youth who are excited about both who they are and who they are
becoming. The session will also address key ways in which LCC staff collaborate and advocate
with families to ensure equitable engagement in the educational process, and the barriers
commonly encountered in the region.

Files

Latino Community Center Education Continuum.pdf

Facilitator

Emily Blair

Director of Education, Latino Community Center

eblair@latinocommunitycenter.org

As the Director of Education at the Latino Community Center, Emily develops and oversees educational
programming designed to empower Latino children and youth to be proud of their cultural heritage and
to achieve their dreams. Emily is passionate about ensuring all students have the opportunity to
succeed, and she is in her sixteenth year in education. Prior to her time at the LCC, Emily taught school
and trained teachers in Raleigh, NC. Emily has a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction: ESL and a
Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Spanish. She also holds a Professional
Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Public Policy and
Leadership. A Pittsburgh native, Emily is excited to be part of the growth and change in her hometown,
and in her free time she loves to cheer on the Steelers and play with her miniature dachshund, Luna!

Panelists

Aleira Gilbert

SOY Pittsburgh Elementary School Coordinator

As the Latino Community Center’s SOY Pittsburgh Elementary School Coordinator, Aleira oversees all
aspects of LCC’s flagship afterschool program, working closely with the students and families. Aleira is
from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She studied at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, the first
university to be established on the island. Her passion for child development motivated her to complete
a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and teach Primary Education for eleven years. This
teaching experience helps her give her best to the children of Pittsburgh! In her free time, Aleira loves to
dance, teach, and spend time with her family.

Amanda Alexandre

SOY Pittsburgh Middle School Coordinator

Amanda is the Latino Community Center’s SOY Pittsburgh Middle School Coordinator. She is an alumna
of Susquehanna University, where she studied psychology. Her passion is advocating for disadvantaged
youth to have an equitable education and adequate resources to thrive in school and in life. Amanda
grew up in Haiti and in Long Island before moving to Pennsylvania to pursue her professional career. In
her free time, she enjoys playing with her three kittens, meditating, traveling, and writing.

Adriana Rudat

Education Family Liaison

As the Latino Community Center’s Education Family Liaison, Adriana provides critical advocacy and
support to Latino families in the region as they navigate the public school system. Adriana is originally
from Peru, where she studied Hotel Management at CENFOTUR College in Cusco-Peru. She came to the
United States in 2017 for a training program at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. She enjoys
meeting new people and finding ways to help them have an uplifting experience. She is extremely
excited to be working with and helping families from her community to reach their goals. Adriana lives
in Plum, PA with her husband Michael and their puppy Tobi.