WKU News

Mildred Valenzuela is a graduate of the WKU Spanish program, and she now works for the Bowling Green Independent Schools with the Migrant Program as a Migrant Recruiter. She was recently recognized for her work helping the Hispanic community in Bowling Green at the BG Fiestaval on September 17^th and 18^th

The Migrant Program in the Bowling Green Independent Schools helps families who work or have worked in agriculture or in companies that process meat. The program aims to break down the barriers that prevent migrant students from learning more, and it ensures that Latinx families are receiving the same quality of care, resources, and education as English-speaking families. They help with school supplies, provide tutoring, monitor student grades, prepare children for kindergarten, provide interpreters at medical, dental, and vision appointments, provide books for all ages and reading levels, and connect families with community resources. In Mildred Valenzuela's role within this program as a Migrant Recruiter, she meets important needs within the Hispanic and migrant communities of Bowling Green, and she was recognized for her outstanding work and accomplishments at the BG Fiestaval. She says her work is gratifying, and she enjoys this opportunity to help those in need.

Mildred’s advice to students studying Spanish is to continue studying Spanish! She says that the need for people who can speak Spanish continues to grow, especially in schools in Bowling Green. The city needs interpreters and Spanish teachers. Many local organizations also need employees who can speak Spanish and can communicate with the Hispanic community in Bowling Green.

We are proud of our alumni who continue to use what they learned in the Modern Languages Department to make a difference and help the community.