Board

Cristina is the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and a product of the Albuquerque Public Schools Bilingual Education. She attended University of New Mexico as a Daniels Scholar receiving an B.A. in Bilingual Secondary Education and later an M.B.A. in Educational Leadership as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Cristina has worked closely with linguistically and culturally diverse students as a High School Bilingual Teacher, Dean of Students, and is currently a High School Administrator at one of the largest schools in the state of New Mexico providing bilingual education opportunities for students.

Hilda N. Pérez-Vargas was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. She migrated with her family in the 90s to Santa Fe, where she was raised. After graduating from Capital High School, Hilda attended the Santa Fe Community College and earned an Associates Degree in Human Services.  Hilda then attended Highlands University and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and her Master’s Degree in Bilingual Bicultural Social Work.  Hilda has served as a case manager and advocate in the field of domestic violence for over ten years. Hilda has also served as a parent liaison for both the Santa Fe Regional Juvenile Justice Board, and for Communities in Schools, where she currently works with the community of César Chávez Elementary School. There, Hilda helps bring in programs and organize events that validate the languages of the community (Spanish and English). This fosters a fusing of the community to promote unity and safety in a world of uncertainty. In addition to this work, Hilda is also a Board Member of Earth Care, which promotes  community, self-sustainability and parent leadership through the education of families with a national curriculum, “Abriendo Puertas”.  She works closely with Gerard’s House, Nuestra Jornada Program, which works with children and families experiencing loss due to the death of, or separation from a loved one.  “Helping families to keep their dignity, unity, language and find their voice to stand tall and proud, is a real privilege” says Hilda.

Silvia Sosa de Chávez is a National Board certified teacher in her 23rd year of teaching with Albuquerque Public Schools.  Since her undergraduate and master’s degree work in bilingual education at the University of New Mexico, dual language education has been her central focus, and she looks for ways to promote student success within the program. In her first year of teaching, Silvia worked alongside a small group of teachers to plan and implement Valle Vista’s dual language program. She went on to work in the dual language programs at East San José and Dolores Gonzales Elementary Schools for twelve years. Silvia then returned to Valle Vista Elementary School four years ago as a third-grade dual language teacher.  Silvia was recognized for her work in 2008 as the Dual Language Teacher of the Year, and again in 2016 as Teacher of Distinction by the Golden Apple organization.  She has dedicated her entire career as a planning committee member for La Cosecha Dual Language Conference, which supports teachers and administrators in the development of their own dual language programs.