What began as collaboration through community events and cultural initiatives has grown into a meaningful chapter of civic leadership and public service for En Español.
Through sustained work in bilingual literacy, cultural programming, educational outreach, and community engagement, Tai and Tien have had the opportunity to contribute to a growing range of civic and public initiatives across Naperville. Their work reflects En Español’s belief that service should not end with participation alone. It can also grow into leadership, collaboration, and lasting contribution to the broader community.
A major milestone in this journey was being invited to serve as the first founding board members of Naperville Sister Cities. What began as partnership through shared cultural and community initiatives developed into a deeper role in helping support, promote, and strengthen programs that connect local engagement with international friendship, cultural exchange, and civic participation.
In addition to this role, Tai Nghiem and Tien Nghiem also serve through the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Commission of the City of Naperville and the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Naperville. Together, these opportunities reflect growing public trust across multiple areas of civic life, including arts, culture, public events, and community history.
Their civic and public service work has included meaningful involvement in a number of community initiatives. These include the Hispanic Festival, the Naperville Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase Reception, Brookdale Elementary School’s Multicultural Fair, and the creation of the bilingual educational book The Magical Journey of the Monarch Butterfly: El Viaje Mágico de la Mariposa Monarca, developed to support outreach and education for the Monarch Butterfly Garden initiative.
Each of these efforts reflects the broader mission of En Español: building connection through language, literacy, culture, and service. At the same time, they also show how community work can expand into public-facing leadership that contributes to the cultural and civic life of a city.
Service through Naperville Sister Cities reflects a commitment to cultural understanding, global connection, and community collaboration. Service through the SECA Commission reflects involvement in the arts, public events, and experiences that bring communities together. Work connected to the Historic Preservation Commission reflects the importance of honoring local history, preserving community identity, and recognizing the stories that shape a city over time.
Together, these roles represent a broader vision of civic leadership and public service — one rooted not only in giving back, but in helping shape the spaces, programs, and partnerships that strengthen a community.
En Español is deeply grateful to the City of Naperville, Naperville Sister Cities, the SECA Commission, and the Historic Preservation Commission for the trust, partnership, and opportunity to contribute in these ways.
This work represents more than a set of appointments. It reflects a continued commitment to literacy, culture, service, and meaningful civic engagement in the community we are proud to serve.
Add comment
Comments