Culturingua’s Community and Economic Development Program fosters an inclusive, thriving community in San Antonio’s Medical Center, prioritizing cultural preservation and sustainable growth. It empowers local residents and businesses by advocating for heritage recognition, enhancing public spaces, and preventing displacement. The program also supports community members in leveraging their skills through credential assistance, workforce training, and free, multilingual food handling certification courses. As an accredited Food Handling Certification provider by the State of Texas, Department of Health and Human Services, Culturingua has empowered hundreds to succeed professionally and contribute to their communities, building generational wealth and a sense of belonging. Through our program, we empower the community to share their stories with oral histories, amplify their voices, and actively participate in citywide events that celebrate our shared heritage.
Policy, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement
Culturingua’s policy work prioritizes securing a distinct MENA (Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian) category in data collection, aiming to improve representation and address the specific needs of these communities. By advocating for detailed and accurate data across all government sectors, Culturingua seeks to ensure that policy decisions reflect the unique challenges and experiences of MENASA populations. This work strengthens advocacy efforts in areas like healthcare, housing, and education, fostering a more effective approach to community development.
Youth Development
This initiative is structured to develop global competencies, intercultural communication skills, and empower San Antonio’s youth. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact across diverse cultures and geographical boundaries, having positively influenced over 900 students to date. At the heart of our efforts is the Virtual Exchange program which connects students in San Antonio Independent School Districts to their peers in the Middle East and North Africa region. Past exchanges have successfully linked San Antonio students to those in Libya, Palestine, Qatar, and Algeria.