Sandra: Community Outreach Manager Leading with Spanish

Meet Sandra—a Higher Education Community Outreach Manager and the Vice President of Mamás Unidas Little Rock.

One of the greatest assets I bring to my career is my ability to communicate in Spanish, thanks to my parents who always emphasized the importance of retaining my native language.

Languages: Spanish and English

Grew Up In: Little Rock, Arkansas

College & Degrees Held: University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Bachelor's degree in Spanish and Mass Communication; Master of Arts in Higher Education – Student Affairs

How have your language and cultural skills supported and/or enhanced your professional opportunities?

As a recipient of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) when I was 18, my college journey was filled with unique challenges, from navigating a system that wasn’t fully equipped to handle my immigration status to being a first-generation, low-income, minority student. These experiences, though difficult, fueled my passion for supporting others who come from similar backgrounds. I developed a deep understanding of the barriers faced by immigrant and first-generation students, especially within the educational system.

One of the greatest assets I bring to my career is my ability to communicate in Spanish, thanks to my parents who always emphasized the importance of retaining my native language. This skill has allowed me to connect on a deeper level with the families I work with—many of whom face language and cultural barriers in addition to the systemic challenges of higher education. Not only do I understand their experiences firsthand, but I can guide them through complex processes in their native language, which builds trust and ensures they feel seen and supported.

What advice would you share with current language learners or those considering studying a language?

Learning a language goes far beyond simple ability to translate—it has the power to change lives. For anyone currently studying a language or thinking about learning one, my biggest piece of advice is to understand the profound impact this skill can have on others. You aren’t just learning vocabulary and grammar; you are acquiring the ability to bridge cultural gaps, build trust, and make a real difference in someone’s life.

Whether you’re helping a patient at a hospital who is facing a life-threatening illness or assisting someone at the front desk of a social service, the ability to communicate in that person’s native language can ease their fears and help them navigate difficult circumstances. For many people, especially immigrants or those unfamiliar with the dominant language of a country, navigating systems like healthcare, education, or social services is already daunting. When you step in with the ability to communicate in their language, it’s not just about providing clarity—you’re offering them comfort, dignity, and empowerment in a world that might feel overwhelming and isolating.

It’s often said that English is the language of global business, and because of that, language skills aren’t necessary to succeed. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

While it’s true that English plays a major role in global commerce, you’ll still regularly encounter people who don’t speak it—especially in fields like education and social services. It’s unrealistic to assume that everyone will learn English, even if it’s widely used. In many cases, you’ll find yourself needing to communicate with individuals in their native language, whether you’re working with clients, partners, or colleagues.

If you approach global business with the mindset that everyone should know English, you could miss out on significant opportunities. What happens when you need to do business with someone who doesn’t speak English? Do you walk away from that opportunity, or do you find a way to communicate and build a relationship? Language skills are key to making those connections, ensuring you don’t lose out on potential business, and showing respect for diverse cultures and perspectives. In other words, in today’s interconnected world, being bilingual or multilingual isn’t just a bonus—it’s a critical tool for success.

Do you have an interesting, moving, or humorous anecdote featuring your language skills to share?

One of the most meaningful experiences in my life came from recognizing the need for support in my local Hispanic community, particularly around accessing higher education, so I joined a group of women who shared the same passion for helping others. Together, we founded a nonprofit organization, Mamás Unidas LR, aimed at supporting Hispanic families through the college application process in their native language.

Over the years, Mamás Unidas LR has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of higher education. We’ve seen a remarkable increase in the number of Hispanic students attending college in our community, and the ripple effect is clear—more educated individuals are contributing to both their families and the local economy. It’s incredible to think that something as simple as speaking Spanish, combined with a bit of knowledge about the education system, could make such a lasting impact.

Read more about the work that Mamás Unidas LR is doing with the Hispanic community in Arkansas.

Check out our Connect with Spanish page—or explore another language of your choosing—for information about university programs, scholarship opportunities, testimonials, and more!

Then tell us how you put your language skills to work @LangConnectsFdn on social media.

Know a multilingual professional who's using language skills in their work or career? Refer them to us for consideration in an upcoming Professional Profile.