2025 Featured Speakers
José Medina
Dr. José L. Medina is the founder and Chief Educational Advocate at Dr. José Medina: Educational Solutions. Prior to establishing the boutique educational consulting firm, Dr. Medina was the Director of Languages and Culture at the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) in Washington, DC. José provides dual language technical assistance, professional development, and job-embedded support to dual language programs across the United States and globally. He is a former dual language school principal and has served as an administrator and educator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Medina is a co-author of the third edition of the widely used Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education. He has also authored three bilingual children’s poetry books focused on his testimonio.
Mariana Castro
Dr. Mariana Castro is the Research Director of the Multilingual Learning Research Center at UW Madison, where she leads socially just research to improve outcomes for multilingual learners. With over 30 years in education, she began her career working with students with disabilities and multilingual families, later teaching science, ESL, and bilingual education before becoming a teacher leader. Dr. Castro spent 16 years at WIDA, leading professional learning and research, and has taught at Edgewood College and UW Madison. She designs curriculum for the Discussion Project and facilitates Deliberation Dinners. Her research centers on language and teaching practices that support multilingual student success, grounded in her lifelong commitment to equity and social justice. for social justice.
Socorro Herrera
Dr. Socorro G. Herrera is a keynote speaker, district consultant, and trainer of trainers, as well as a professor in the College of Education and director of the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy (CIMA) at Kansas State University. Her K–12 teaching experience includes an emphasis on literacy development, and her research focuses on literacy opportunities with culturally and linguistically diverse students, reading strategies, and domestic and international teacher preparation for diversity in the classroom. Dr. Herrera has authored several books and numerous articles focusing on issues of instruction and assessment with culturally and linguistically diverse students.
123 Andrés
123 Andrés – ¡Pura diversión! This GRAMMY and LATIN GRAMMY-winning duo makes learning Spanish and English a blast with catchy songs and fun-filled shows.
Billboard calls 123 Andrés "rock stars for little language learners." Husband-wife team Andrés and Christina rock stages across the US and Latin America and co-host the
award-winning PBS podcast Jamming
on the Job with Pierce Freelon. They’ve also authored three bilingual books (Scholastic). Millions of kids worldwide wiggle to their beats, while 123 Andrés gives back through Fundación Cakike, supporting music education in Colombia. Christina, raised
in a Colombian-American family, loved
theater and dance and became a teaching superhero—with a Master’s in Education
from Penn, now inspiring through music! Andrés, a Bogotá native, mastered guitar
with his dad, studied at the Conservatory, and wrote award-winning songs.
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Ester de Jong
Dr. Ester de Jong is a Professor in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education at the University of Colorado Denver. Her research focuses on two-way bilingual education, integrated models for language minority students, educational language policy, and teacher preparation. She has conducted both qualitative and quantitative studies in ESL and bilingual education, with an emphasis on dual language programs. Her work has been funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Spencer Foundation. Her book, Foundations of Multilingualism in Education (Caslon Publishing), offers a principled approach to school, program, and classroom decision-making for bilingual learners. A recent TESOL Quarterly article, “Aiming for Equity,” explores inclusive classrooms for emergent bilinguals. Dr. de Jong served as President of TESOL International Association (2017–2018) and is co-editor of The Handbook of Research on Dual Language Bilingual Education (Routledge, 2023) and the Bilingual Research Journal.
Bagwajinini Alex Kmett
Bagwajinini Alex Kmett is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation (Eagle Clan) and descendant of the Pillager Band of Leech Lake, with family ties to Ponemah and Cass Lake, Minnesota. He earned a Master of Arts in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University and has taught Ojibwe language at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College and the University of Minnesota, Morris. As co-founder and Curriculum Director of Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School, Alex leads efforts to center Ojibwe language, land-based learning, and reciprocal cultural knowledge. He also co-founded the Gookonaanig Endaawaad language nest, helping raise his children as trilingual speakers of Ojibwe, Spanish, and English. Beyond education, Alex is an artist, experimental musician, food producer, and strong advocate for Indigenous stewardship and land-back initiatives.
Ajuawak Kapashesit
Ajuawak Kapashesit is the Director of Development for 7000 Languages, where
he supports Indigenous language revitalization through nonprofit and
project development. He holds a BA in Linguistics from Macalester College
with a focus on Language Revitalization
and Hispanic Studies. Ajuawak has worked with Indigenous communities across
North America on language documentation and educational materials. As a writer
and director, his creative work includes
short stories, plays, and film. He was a story editor and contributing writer for Tallboyz (CBC) and has held fellowships with Sundance, Firelight Media, and Vision Maker Media. In addition to his work in language
and storytelling, Ajuawak is an accomplished actor, with credits including Indian Horse, Once Upon a River, and TV roles on
Bad Blood and Outlander. He is an alumnus of the CBC Actor’s Conservatory.
Mishelle Jurado
Dra. Mishelle Jurado is a seasoned bilingual educator and researcher serving as the Teaching and Learning Coach at Highland High School in Albuquerque. With over 15 years of experience—from preschool bilingual classrooms to high school Spanish Language Arts and AP courses—she has also led as a Biliteracy Coach and bilingual coordinator at APS schools. Jurado’s contributions include advocacy for New Mexico’s Seal of Biliteracy and active involvement in Dual Language Education of New Mexico. She holds an M.A. in Spanish Language Arts & Bilingual Coordination and is nearing completion of her Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, & Sociocultural Studies at UNM. Her expertise encompasses culturally sustaining bilingual pedagogy, literacy strategies, and innovative translanguaging assessments.
Michael Garcia
Michael ”Ya-Schay” Garcia is from the Pueblo of Tamaya (Santa Ana Pueblo). He
found his calling as a language teacher for his people. Michael teaches his Keres
language through the power and beauty of storytelling and song. Students learn about
their identity, spiritual selves and how that connects them to the land, people,
language, culture, and traditions. Michael is the creator of the podcast, “Life of a Dog
on the Rez”; a place where he shares funny, cringe-worthy, and inspirational stories
from his beloved Pueblo homelands and Turtle Island; stories that uplift the soul,
provide us hope, and heal our spirits. He is also a traditional song composer, moccasin
maker, traditional artist, and is instrumental in revitalizing the traditional game of
Shinney stick, back into the Pueblos.
Margarita Machado-Casas
Dr. Margarita Machado Casas is a full professor in the Dual Language and English Learner Education Department and a nationally recognized scholar in multilingual, immigrant, and Indigenous education. Born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, she holds a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the FPG Institute at Duke. Her research centers on transnational communities, family engagement, and equity in assessment and literacy. She is co-creator of BESO, the largest bilingual education student organization in the U.S., and co-director of the National Education Latino Network. She has authored 40+ academic publications, edited 10+ books, and secured over $15 million in educational grants. A dedicated advocate, she founded CUPE to support Latino and refugee families. She consults internationally and continues to lead with #REALTALK.
Tiffany Lee
Dr. Tiffany S. Lee is Dibé Łizhiní (Blacksheep) Diné and Oglala Lakota. Dr. Lee is a Distinguished Professor of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her research examines educational and community/culturally-based outcomes of Indigenous language schools and Indigenous-centered education, the relationship of Diné language learning to wellbeing, and Native youth perspectives on language reclamation. She and colleagues created the Diné Language Teacher Institute to grow the pool of Diné language immersion teachers. She is a co-founding member of Saad K’idilyé Diné language nest serving infants to toddlers in Albuquerque. She is a former high school social studies and language arts teacher at schools on the Navajo Nation and at Santa Fe Indian School.
Hector Montenegro
Dr. Hector Montenegro, President/CEO of Montenegro Consulting Group, LLC, former Senior District Advisor for CASEL and currently a Senior Associate for Margarita Calderon and Associates. He currently works with districts and administrators nationally and internationally on systemic implementation of SEL, instructional strategies for English Learners, leadership development, language and literacy, instructional coaching, and parent engagement. Dr. Montenegro has been a math teacher, principal, Chief of Staff and Superintendent of three school districts in Texas. He is an internationally recognized speaker and presenter throughout the US and abroad. He also serves on several national boards including New York City's The Leadership Academy (TLA) and Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL). He obtained his masters from Stanford University and doctorate from the UT at Austin.
Joan Lachance
Dr. Joan Lachance is an Associate Professor of Education and Program Director for the undergraduate and graduate TESL programs at UNC Charlotte. She teaches courses in Second Language Acquisition and Authentic Assessment and mentors teacher candidates during internships. Her research focuses on dual language teacher preparation, academic language development, and authentic assessment. Current projects explore dual language pedagogies, edTPA support systems, co-teaching, and ESL teacher collaboration. Dr. Lachance actively partners with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Title III/ESL team to support language assistance programs in school districts. She is also Director of Educators for a Multilingual Multicultural America (EMMA), a member of AERA and the Bilingual Education SIG, and co-author of the second edition of Educating English Learners for a Transformed World with Drs. Collier and Thomas.
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Laura Montoya
Raised and educated in Northern
New Mexico, Treasurer Laura M. Montoya broke barriers as the first female State Treasurer in New Mexico and the first
elected Latina State Treasurer in the U.S. Treasurer Montoya has dedicated her
career to serving New Mexicans at the
federal, state, tribal, and local levels with dedication, commitment and skill.
She works tirelessly to bridge the gap
of inequity through various initiatives, including outreach for financial literacy,
the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving
a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program, Baby Bonds, and thoughtful discussions on implementing
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies in New Mexico and nationally. Treasurer Montoya’s dedication ensures
that financial policies and practices pave
the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all New Mexicans.
Sonia Soltero
Dr. Sonia Soltero is Professor and Chair of the Department of Leadership, Language, and Curriculum, former Director of the Bilingual-Bicultural Education Graduate Program at DePaul University, and former dual language public school teacher and program coordinator. Soltero has numerous publications on bilingual and dual language education as well as Latino education, her latest book is titled Dual Language Education: Program Design and Implementation. She has been involved in dual and bilingual education for more than thirty-five years as a dual language teacher, university professor, researcher, and professional developer. In addition, she has served on numerous international, national, and state education boards and commissions. Soltero as extensive background in the design and implementation of dual language, bilingual education, and ESL programs and
has worked with school districts across
the US and abroad.
Victor Villaseñor
Victor Villaseñor is an acclaimed Mexican-American author, speaker, and advocate for cultural pride and literacy. Born in Carlsbad, California, he overcame severe struggles with dyslexia to become a celebrated voice in American literature. His bestselling memoir Rain of Gold chronicles his family’s migration from Mexico and their pursuit of the American dream, blending history, culture, and resilience. Villaseñor has written numerous other works, including Burro Genius, Crazy Loco Love, and award-winning children’s books that highlight heritage, family, and community values. Beyond writing, he is a passionate public speaker, inspiring audiences to embrace diversity, peace, and unity. He also founded the Snow Goose Global Thanksgiving initiative, promoting gratitude and cross-cultural understanding worldwide.
Ovi Vásquez
Ovidilio Vásquez is a dynamic keynote speaker, bestselling author, and social entrepreneur who turns adversity into advantage, inspiring leaders to rise, serve, and thrive. Featured by Real Leaders global magazine alongside Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek, Ovi has spoken for Fortune 500 companies and top universities. His journey—from child farmworker in Guatemala to working at Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber—embodies resilience and grit. A TEDx speaker and author of six books, he blends research-backed strategies with lived experience to develop values-driven leaders. Through initiatives like Laptops of Hope and his scholarship app, Ovi champions digital equity and opportunity for underserved communities worldwide.
Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes
Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes Ed. M. is well known for her contributions in the areas of curriculum design, bilingual education, Spanish and English Language Arts, staff development, and parental involvement. She has served as a panel member for the development of the California ELD Standards and as a Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee Member for the California Department of Education. In collaboration with the CCSSO and the California Department of Education, Silvia has coordinated the Spanish translation and linguistic augmentation for the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts and Mathematics. Silvia is an honored recipient of numerous state and national awards, among them the prestigious National Association for Bilingual Education Leadership Award.
Lilian Ardel
Dr. Lillian Ardell is a speaker, author and founder of the consulting firm Language Matters, LLC. With over two decades of experience working with Multilingual Learners and the teachers who serve them, Dr. Ardell inspires bilingual, TESOL and content area teachers to Disrupt the Monolingual Bias one small brave moment at a time. Lillian is a sociolinguist and trained qualitative researcher. She uses a unique blend of theory, practice and adult learning to craft transformative activities and coaching cycles anchored in equity and teacher empowerment. She infuses comedy, poetry and dance (yes, dance!) into all her engagements. Lillian’s first book Disrupting the Monolingual Bias: A Framework for Teacher Advocacy drops December 2nd 2025, but you can preorder it today by visiting her website: www.languagematters.org.
