Graduate finds her voice with teachers and customers

Alexandra used to ask her son, fourth-grade Rodrigo, to call the other parents about playdates.  An immigrant from Venezuala, she was afraid of making a mistake.  But even more afraid of what she might miss as she raises Rodrigo, 9 and Thiago, 2.

“In the last year, I fell like I really want to know more about my son in school, but I didn’t understand,” Alexandra recalls.

But after meeting weekly with OLC tutor Julie Jones, she gained fluency and confidence.  Now Alexandra volunteers at school and feels comfortable speaking with other parents.  She no longer needs a translator for parent-teacher conferences.

Rodrigo’s teacher, Cynthia Kiser of Rochester Community School District, sees the difference it makes for Alexandra’s son.

“He was so excited to have her attend school functions or help in his class.  When her English skills and confidence grew, so did Rodrigo’s!” says Ms. Kiser.

Now Alexandra is turning confidence into entrepreneurship!

An engineer by profession, Alexandra is also known for creating beautiful balloon and flower arrangements.

This year, she started A&G Party Creations with a friend.  The business is “blowing up” with orders and referrals!

In July, Alexandra and her husband, Ricarte, will be honored at the OLC graduation.  The balloons will be supplied compliments of A&G Party Creations!

“I’m really, really grateful to this program and thank you, thank you so much!” says Alexandra.