Dear Friends of IES,

It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as President of the IES Language Foundation. Since 1982, IES has been Building Bridges through Languages, true to the vision of our founders, who believed in natural language acquisition taught in engaging, interactive ways. They understood that learning a language is about more than words. It is about understanding cultures, building relationships, and opening doors.

Bilingualism transforms lives and communities. It sharpens the mind, strengthens career opportunities, and deepens cultural appreciation, while helping schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods communicate and connect.

Today, IES offers:

• Language programs for children, in partnership with K–8 schools across the Bay Area

• Live online Spanish and English classes for adults, one-on-one or in small groups

• Professional development for language teachers, grounded in our proven curriculum and coaching model

We also welcome passionate language educators to join our team. We accept résumés throughout the year and reach out to our talent pool whenever a position opens.

As someone who has spent my career bridging cultures, I am honored to lead an organization that shares my belief in the power of language to unite people. Whether you are an educator, a parent, a school leader, or a lifelong learner, IES is here to support your journey.

Warm regards,

Karen Velásquez

President, IES Language Foundation