A Night of Celebration and Impact by the UHD Bilingual E-Library

The UHD Bilingual E-Library proudly hosted its inaugural Gala, Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas, a vibrant evening celebrating the power of education, the richness of Hispanic heritage, and the strength of community. With inspiring speakers, touching family stories, and lively cultural performances, the event highlighted the transformative impact of the UHD Bilingual E-Library on families across Houston and beyond.

Showcasing the UHD Bilingual E-Library

The evening opened with Dr. Julio Cesar Canedo Soto, Associate Professor of Management at UHD and the Gala’s Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Canedo began by showcasing the UHD Bilingual E-Library website, emphasizing its role as a vital resource for families. He explained how the library:

• Provides tools for families to read with their children, regardless of their literacy level.
• Teaches essential technology skills for self-learning.
• Supports English language proficiency.
• Prepares families for career advancement or further education at UHD.

With the website displayed on the screen, attendees saw firsthand how this innovative platform connects families to resources that inspire learning and growth.

Honoring Partners and Contributors

Dr. Canedo extended heartfelt recognition to the many individuals and organizations who make the UHD Bilingual E-Library possible. VIPs included UHD faculty, staff, and administrators, Aldine ISD leaders, and community members. Special acknowledgment was given to families from Black Elementary and Bussey Elementary, who contributed their original stories to the library’s collection:

• La mágica aventura de Madison (Madison’s Magic Adventure) by The Luna Family from Black Elementary.
• La gata Kira y la tortuga (The Kitten Kira and the Turtle) by Consuelo Ortega and her family from Bussey Elementary.

These stories, beautifully illustrated by Nereida Gonzaga and Tamsin Ward, showcased the creativity and dedication of participating families.

An Evening of Insight and Inspiration

Throughout the night, distinguished speakers shared their insights on the importance of education, community, and collaboration:

• Dr. Loren J. Blanchard, President of UHD, spoke about the university’s mission to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic families.
• Dr. Deborah E. Bordelon, Senior Vice President & Provost at UHD, highlighted the critical role of partnerships between schools and community programs like the Bilingual E-Library.
• Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, Director of the Bilingual E-Library Project, detailed the program’s achievements in advancing literacy and digital skills.
• Dr. Juan Sanchez, from the Department of Commerce, was honored for his mentorship and support in securing federal funding for the project. His dedication to the library’s mission was celebrated with a special video presentation.
• Sheila Adams, Chief Communications Officer of Aldine ISD, emphasized the impact of the collaboration between UHD and Aldine ISD in enriching the lives of students and their families.

Family Testimonies: Stories of Transformation

The evening reached its emotional peak as families shared their experiences with the Bilingual E-Library:

• Nadia Perez-Bussey described how the program inspired her entrepreneurial journey while supporting her children’s learning.
• Evelyn Castillo reflected on how the library’s technology resources helped her children excel at Griggs Elementary.
• Lenka Godoy from Black Elementary shared how the library sparked a love of reading in her household.

These stories brought the Gala’s mission to life, demonstrating the library’s transformative impact on families.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

A highlight of the Gala was the performance by Mariachi de Acero from Aldine ISD, whose music energized the room and paid tribute to the rich traditions of Hispanic culture. The band’s rendition of Las Mañanitas added a personal touch, celebrating the birthdays of two young attendees.

The evening concluded with a lively dance to Marc Anthony’s La Gozadera, led by families from five participating schools. This joyful celebration of heritage brought the event to a rousing close.

Looking Ahead: The Bilingual E-Library’s Mission

The Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas Gala was more than an evening of celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the impact of education and culture in uniting and uplifting communities. The UHD Bilingual E-Library remains steadfast in its mission to provide resources that empower families, nurture literacy, and bridge gaps in technology and education.

This unforgettable night showcased the profound difference that collaboration, creativity, and commitment can make. The UHD Bilingual E-Library looks forward to continuing its work in building brighter futures for families in Houston and beyond.