A few years ago I bought a beautiful beaded necklace and earrings from a very talented Latina. Her name? Wendy Ramirez, founder of the fashion line Intimalena. Wendy was working for Congress but she always found time to make accessories and other handmade items that celebrated indigenous cultures and traditions.
Ever the entrepreneur she recently created Spanish Sin Pena, a platform that celebrates language and culture. Wendy, who is half Salvadorian and Mexican, was raised in East LA speaking English. Being fluent in Spanish was a goal she eventually accomplished. Feeling a need to encourage other Latino adults that didn’t grow up speaking Spanish Wendy created Spanish Sin Pena to offer programs, community, and support for everyone that wanted to learn or improve.
A cultural social activist at heart, Wendy recently embarked on a project to help migrant children in California– Learning Kits 4 Migrant Kids. They collect books, art supplies, and science kits for the children.
I invite you to watch our IGTV!
Wendy’s Message for Latino Parents
- Be an example for your children – show them that even though it is not easy, one can learn a language at any age!
- Show pride in your culture.
- Plan language learning activities around the child’s interests: comic books, coloring books, storybooks.
- Make it fun- play games at the dinner table or in the car – Spanish words, sentences – reward
- Keep an open dialogue – accent, shame, feeling different – offer support, advice, encouragement
Thank you, Wendy
For more information about Spanish Sin Pena visit their website and Facebook.
