Blog

On Election Day, Travis County unanimously voted to pass a first-of-its-kind proposition. Prop A
was on the ballot and would be a community-wide buy-in for affordable child care across the
county. The proposition would increase property taxes, some 2.5 cents per $100 of property
value the money that would go into covering the cost of around 6,000 daycare slots for
children from low-income families. The money would be used in four parts:

• creating more contracted spots for kids in need of after-school care
• expanding nontraditional care
• fostering business government alliances, which will incentivize companies to provide
  employees with childcare (Garza Brown, K. (n.d.). Retrieved from
  https://thedailytexan.com/2024/11/11/proposition-a-to-offer-childcare-support-to-travis-
  county-residents/.)
• building after-school and summer programs

This proposition was authored in response to the decimated childcare facilities that closed
during and in the wake of the 2020 COVID pandemic. Many parents found themselves unable to
return to work or were forced to work remotely due to the scarcity of affordable childcare options
when employers called for a return to the workplace.

Legislation like this is considered the first of its kind in Texas, and it’s overwhelming support
shows how pressing family care is for voters, as well as the need for innovative policies to
address the unprecedented times we’re living in.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown has spoken widely about the benefits of Prop A. When discussing
the necessity of this policy, Judge Brown cites the cost of one year of childcare in Austin,
$13,595. For reference, one year of tuition at University of Texas in Austin is $13,576. The fact
that raising a child in Travis County is functionally more expensive than attending college here,
proves how inaccessible childcare has become in the wake of the pandemic.

The Daily Texan reports that Austin alone has “six childcare deserts” and readers are
encouraged to view Children at Risk’s childcare analysis in Texas here:
https://childrenatrisk.org/child-care-desert-analysis-2024/ for more information.

We are thrilled to announce that The Americano Dream is partnering with Manor Independent School District to help collect donations for students and families in need. This initiative aims to provide essential items to those who need them most, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.

How You Can Help: You can make a difference by donating items through the link provided. All donated items will be shipped directly to The Americano Dream location, where our dedicated team will coordinate the delivery to the families in need.

Donate Here

Your generosity will go a long way in supporting our community. Thank you so much for your kindness and support!

What an incredible day it was for The Americano Dream! We delivered 15 Dell Technologies Chromebooks to KIPP Austin Brave High School – Multilingual Education. This generous donation represents a significant leap towards empowering 15 bilingual students with the essential tools they need to excel academically and beyond.

The impact of these laptops is immense. For many of these students, access to technology will open doors to educational resources, foster digital literacy, and bridge gaps that might otherwise hinder their learning journey. Witnessing the excitement and gratitude on their faces served as a powerful reminder of the importance of such initiatives.

This achievement was made possible through the generous monetary donations from supporters and the remarkable collaboration with Dell Technologies. Their commitment to education and technology is truly commendable, and the partnership in this endeavor has been invaluable.

Reflecting on the board member’s own journey to achieving their Americano Dream, KIPP Students were reminded of the importance of staying committed to one’s goals while extending a helping hand to others. This experience served as a beautiful demonstration of the power of community and collaboration.

What an amazing day it was, filled with hope, generosity, and the promise of brighter futures. Thanks were extended to everyone who supported this mission and made the day possible. Here’s to many more days of giving back and making dreams come true!

In the heart of San Antonio, Texas, the spirit of community service is alive and well thanks to individuals like Cami Canales, a dedicated board member of The Americano Dream of Texas (TAD). Recently, her act of kindness and generosity has touched the life of Cristina Palacio, a sophomore at Churchill High School, in a remarkable way.

Cristina Palacio found herself in need of academic support, and that’s where TAD and Cami Canales stepped in. Through Sylvan Learning Center, Cristina was to receive crucial tutoring hours and academic testing, vital resources for her educational journey. However, circumstances changed when Canales, also a parent, realized that her children no longer required the tutoring hours they had accumulated.

In an exemplary display of community spirit and altruism, Cami Canales made an in-kind donation of these unused tutoring hours to TAD. With her thoughtful contribution, TAD was able to collaborate with Sylvan Learning Center to facilitate a donation of tutoring hours and academic testing to Churchill High School, benefiting none other than Cristina Palacio.

The impact of this act of kindness cannot be overstated. For Cristina, it means access to resources that could potentially shape her academic future. For Churchill High School, it signifies a community coming together to support its students in their pursuit of excellence. And for Cami Canales, it reflects a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, even in the simplest yet most profound ways.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that acts of generosity, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to create ripple effects of positivity in our communities. Through the selfless actions of individuals like Cami Canales and the tireless work of organizations like TAD, we can truly make a difference, one person at a time.

As Cristina Palacio continues her academic journey with newfound support, let us celebrate the spirit of giving and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those in need. And let us draw inspiration from Cami Canales and others like her, who remind us that kindness knows no bounds and that together, we can build a brighter future for all.

We are thrilled to announce a wonderful addition to The Americano Dream family. Please join us in welcoming our newest board member, Camila Bicalho!

Camila’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in the vibrant culture of Brazil, she embarked on a transformative adventure at the age of 18 when she moved to the United States. Camila pursued her education in the heart of Texas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Sul Ross State University in Alpine.

“My journey from Brazil to the United States at the age of 18 has been filled with ambition, hard work, and an unwavering spirit. Today, I am proud to say that I am living the Americano Dream, and I am eager to contribute to the mission of The Americano Dream.”

In 2009, Camila ventured to Austin, Texas, where she began her professional journey at Dell Technologies. Today, she stands as a Global PMO and Communications Lead for Dell Services Lifecycle Hub, showcasing exceptional leadership and dedication to her craft.

Camila brings a wealth of experience and a passion for communication that truly sets her apart. Her journey in journalism began at The Skyline, Sul Ross State University’s esteemed newspaper, where she served as a dedicated news reporter. This early experience ignited her love for storytelling and reporting on important issues that matter to our community.

“I am excited to leverage my personal journey and experiences to advocate for the transformative power of education, community involvement, and cross-cultural opportunities. Together with the incredible team at The Americano Dream, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals seeking to fulfill their dreams in the land of opportunity.”

Fueling her passion further, Camila took on an internship at KXAN Austin News, showcasing her commitment to staying informed and contributing to the world of journalism. Her dedication to excellence and the pursuit of truth make her a valuable addition to our organization.

Not only does Camila excel in her professional endeavors, but she is also an influential force within Dell Technologies’ Central Region ERG Women in Action. Leading a chapter with 35 board members and a total of 6 thousand active members, Camila’s ambition and commitment to community impact shine brightly.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Camila is a devoted mother to her one-year-old son, Cooper Bradley. Cooper, born with hearing loss, has a remarkable story of adaptation and resilience, thanks to Camila’s unwavering dedication. Initially faced with challenges, Cooper now enjoys a normal life, a testament to Camila’s strength as a loving and determined mother.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Camila Bicalho as she brings her passion, expertise, and compassionate spirit to The Americano Dream. We look forward to achieving great heights together and making a positive impact on the community we serve.

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced eight Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to support career and technical education (CTE) training by six North Texas-area educational institutions. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the combined $3,511,598 in grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 1,164 students for high-demand occupations.

“Texas continues to support our next generation of highly-skilled workers and boost our state’s growing economy through career training grants,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will provide schools in North Texas the opportunity to purchase and install equipment that will train over a thousand students for good-paying careers in farm equipment mechanics, nursing, electrical engineering, HVAC, and more. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their collaboration with these schools as we help North Texas students prepare to join our workforce in these high-demand industries.”

“The Jobs and Education Texas grants provide opportunities for schools across the state to create training for high demand jobs in their area,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Six North Texas-area colleges have made the step to train more than a thousand students in the region to support local employers and bolster the economy.”

Earlier today, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented the awards at a ceremony that included state and local officials, school staff, and CTE students at Collin College Technical Campus.

The eight JET grants include:

• Collin College: a $332,365 grant to purchase and install equipment to initially train 140 students in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) program, with additional students to be trained in the future
• Commerce Independent School District (ISD): a $301,544 grant to purchase and install equipment to initially train 126 students in farm equipment mechanics in partnership with Collin County Community College District
• Farmersville ISD: two grants:
  • $702,240 for equipment to train an initial 132 students as marketing managers in partnership with Collin College
  • $746,743 to purchase and install equipment to initially train 230 students in agricultural engineering with Collin College
• Grayson College: a $349,999 grant to purchase and install equipment to initially train 80 students in industrial machinery mechanics
• Lovejoy ISD: a $446,763 grant to purchase and install equipment to initially train 200 students as electronics engineers in partnership with Collin College
• North Central Texas College: two grants:
  • $331,827 to purchase and install equipment to initially train 130 students in nursing
  • $300,117 to purchase and install equipment to initially train 126 students in welding careers

Through funding provided by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs to develop career and technical education programs for the public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools. Equipment funded through JET grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations.

Learn more about TWC’s JET grant program.

Our friends at the Embassy of Spain invite young professional leaders to apply to this unique international intercultural experience.

The deadline is June 11, 2023 at 11:59 CST.

The Hispanic Leaders Program of the United States was born in 1998 at the initiative of the Government of Spain with the objective, on one hand, of making the reality of the country known to young Americans of Hispanic origin and, on the other, of creating a network of contacts among prominent professionals in the political, cultural, business and academic spheres from both sides of the Atlantic.

Since then, it has facilitated the identification of opportunities for collaboration between the two countries, contributing to the empowerment of the US Hispanic community and ultimately having an impact on strengthening bilateral relations between Spain and the United States.

The US Hispanic Leaders Program has the support of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.

Apply Here

Decades before Selena was crowned the Queen of Tejano Music, there was Lydia Mendoza. Today at TAD, we are celebrating the first iconic female Tejano singer, La Alondra de La Frontera. Lydia Mendoza was born in Houston in 1916 to a musical family. Her parents had immigrated to Texas in order to escape the Mexican Revolution. Her father was a railroad worker, so her family would travel with him and together would entertain the farmers and laborers along the Tex-Mex border. Lydia would spend a great deal of her early career performing with her family, and even as a solo artist, they would accompany and open for her concerts. 

When Lydia was a teenager, she caught the attention of Spanish radio personality, Manuel J. Cortez. He signed her onto Bluebird Records in 1937 and she recorded her first well-known song “Mal Hombre”. Mendoza’s song was a hit across the US-Mexico border, and she became a symbol of pride for the Tejano population, as well as other Mexican Americans.

Carlos Santana is an American guitarist who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, which pioneered a fusion of Rock and roll and Latin American jazz. Its sound featured his melodic, blues-based lines set against Latin American and African rhythms played on percussion instruments not generally heard in rock, such as timbales and congas. He experienced a resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim in the late 1990 and in 2015, Rolling Stone magazine listed him at No. 20 on their list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He has won 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, was inducted along with his namesake band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2002.

Beyond music, in the lifestyle and entertainment realm, River Of Colors (ROC) has enjoyed tremendous success with the Carlos by Carlos Santana and Unity by Carlos Santana brand names. Founded in 1997, ROC is dedicated to bringing products to market that embody the passion and integrity of Carlos Santana and that are true to his distinctive style and taste. The arc of Santana’s performing and recording career is complemented by a lifelong devotion to social activism and humanitarian causes. The Milagro Foundation, originally established by Carlos Santana and his family in 1998, has granted more than eight million dollars to non-profit programs supporting under-resourced children and youth in the areas of arts, education and health. Milagro means “miracle,” and the image of children as divine miracles of light and hope-gifts to our lives is the inspiration behind its name.

Santana continues to spread his music today at his residency in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

We can’t celebrate the Hispanic impact on American culture without celebrating the “Queen of Tejano music” herself, Selena! Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. Billboard magazine named her the greatest female Latin artist of all time and she is credited for catapulting a music genre into the mainstream market.

Selena released Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), which peaked at number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months. The album’s commercial success led music critics to call it the “breakthrough” recording of her musical career. One of its singles, “Como la Flor”, became one of her most popular signature songs. Live! (1993) won Best Mexican/American Album at the 1994 Grammy Awards, becoming the first recording by a female Tejano artist to do so.

Unfortunately, on March 31, 1995, Selena’s life ended when she was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and the former manager of her Selena Etc. boutiques. Two weeks later, George W. Bush, then-governor of Texas, declared April 16 as Selena Day in Texas. Her posthumous crossover album, Dreaming of You (1995), debuted atop the Billboard 200, making Selena the first Latin artist to accomplish this feat. In 1997, Warner Bros. released Selena, a film about her life and career, which starred a then-unknown Jennifer Lopez as Selena, catapulting Lopez into fame. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series starring Christian Serratos. Selena has sold around 18 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists in Latin music.