Tai Nghiem: Founder (Fundador)

Junior at Naperville Central High School

  • Published author in Trailblazer Magazine
  • DECA Social Media Manager for over 1000 people
  • Member of the Naperville Business Fair Executive Committee
  • Principal's Advisory Council Member for NCHS
  • Pivotal Essay Competition Finalist
  • Certificate of honor for USABO
  • KidsMatter Senior High Board Member
  • Vice-president and lead Spanish tutor for GLAD Academy
  • Varsity Tennis Team Member for NCHS
  • Civic Leadership Institute: Northwestern University

My Story

Writing and Culture

Hello, I'm Tai. As a child, I had many experiences with various cultures. This taught me the importance of various cultures, including Spanish culture and language. I grew up speaking spanish, eating spanish food, and this influenced my experience and the opportunities I had. Also, as a child, I liked writing. I imagine that in my accounts, realities that would never be possible would be real, and I combined magic and realism. I took part in some competitions, and won two – with a story that talked about a dystopian world, and  an essay about unethical actions. One of my works was published in an international magazine called Trailblazer. You can read it below.

A Future of Growth

I realized the importance that languages have in life at a young age, this led me to the founding of En Español. At first, it felt overwhelming, there were so many things to do. But I focused on the first step, which was teaching, the heart of our organization. Our groups grew in size until we became the organization you are reading about right now. What was most rewarding was hearing the praise and really being able to see the growth my students had and have under my teaching. After seeing the growth of my organization, raising more than $5000, teaching more than 100 students, and seeing students from more than 20 countries come together to share in learning, I am excited to see what the future brings.

Caring and Kind

Outside of my organization, I continue to be active throughout the community, having helped raise more than $92,000 for organizations I am involved with. I have led several social media campaigns related to activism. I am conducting research projects that aim to improve access to healthcare for minorities. But above all, I love helping people, which is something I really love.

Our Principles

Our mission is to empower Spanish-speaking youth and adults with future life goals, and I truly hope that is a mission we are on the way to achieve. If you, or anyone else is interested in learning English, STEM, or are in any need for job support or financial literacy skills, please feel free to let us know. We believe in free lessons for every student, because our students are the future. Thank you.

Tien Nghiem: Founder (Fundador)

Junior at Naperville Central High School

  • KidsMatter Senior High Board Member
  • Teen Philanthropy Initiative Member
  • Student Representative for Sister Cities and SECA
  • State Qualifier for Naperville Central's Math Team
  • Varsity Tennis Team Member for Naperville Central
  • A Team Outreach Leader for Huskie Robotics
  • FLL Mentor for Huskie Robotics
  • 2-Time Wheaton College Piano Competition Winner
  • Civic Leadership Institute: Wheaton College
  • Brookfield Zoo King's Conservation Science Scholar Member

Grace Zhang

Junior at Naperville Central High School

  • Basketball Team Member for NCHS
  • Debate Team Member for NCHS
  • Orchestra Member for NCHS
  • National Honor Society Member

Katie Kim: Event Director (Directora de Eventos)

Junior at Naperville Central High School

  • Orchestra Member for NCHS
  • Culinary Club Member
  • Spanish Club Member
  • A Volunteer for a Korean Language School
  • Top 9 Violist for the State of Illinois

Khun Pook: International Ambassador (Líder Internacional de Embajadoras)

Recognized for her leadership, strategic communication and people-centered approach, she acts as an essential bridge between our global management team and partner communities across Asia.

Thanks to her leadership, warmth and professionalism, Khun Pook embodies the heart of our organization’s mission: To connect people through understanding, empathy and a shared purpose that transcends borders.

 

  • Test Manager at KASIKORNBANK
  • Certified Psychological Counselor

Khun Ann: International Ambassador (Líder Internacional de Embajadoras)

Khun Ann is an International Ambassador of En Español, coordinating student initiatives and community events in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, she helped with Books Without Barreres with a book collection in collaboration with an orphanage in Thailand, showing our mission to promote bilingual literacy and global connection.

Outside of her volunteer work, Khun Ann is director of chemical engineering in Thailand. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga and pilates, reflecting her balance between professional excellence and personal well-being.

Maria Rodriguez: International Ambassador (Líder Internacional de Embajadoras)

María Rodríguez as our International Ambassador for Central and South America. In this role, Maria will lead efforts to expand En Español’s mission to promote bilingual literacy, STEM education and youth leadership throughout Latin America.

Born and raised in San Luis Potosí, María brings a deep knowledge of local cultures and communities, as well as a passion for using education as a tool for connection and opportunities. As an International Ambassador, she will strengthen partnerships with schools, libraries and non-profit organizations in Central and South America, helping distribute bilingual books, organize literacy and STEM workshops, and support young ambassadors in developing their own community projects.

Volunteer Leaders (Líderes Voluntarios)

Katherine Dillon (Right)

Secilia Orihuela (Middle)

Briseis Schumacher (Left)

Corynne Reas (Right)