We Are Eagles: Seeing Immigrants Soar

Episode Eight

For nearly 30 years immigrant women have gained confidence and independence through the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora, Illinois. Our guests share inspiring stories about the impact of the center on thousands of families.

Introduction

Dalila Alegria is the executive director of a nonprofit that advocates for equitable access to mental health resources in Kane County, Ill.

Journalist Anna Marie Tomczyk’s book, We Are Eagles, shares stories of women who, like Dalila’s mom, learned to soar when they learned to read, write, and speak English at the Dominican Literacy Center.

Takeaways

Download our favorite bits of wisdom from this week's guests to share in social media.

  • Immigrants who study at the Dominican Literacy Center have the world opened to them.
  • Eliminating barriers to their success is the key.
  • The DLC creates a safe community where students learn to trust, and to thrive.

Listen 

Our guests shared their top-three favorite songs of all time. Here they are.

Dalila’s playlist

Amarte a la Antigua—Pedro Fernandez

Por Tu Amor—Alacranes Musical

Bohemio de Aficcion—Gerardo Reyes

Anna Marie’s playlist

You Raise Me Up—Josh Groban

What a Wonderful World—Louis Armstrong

Hallelujah Chorus—Handel's Messiah

Resources

Volunteer at the Dominican Literacy Center

Find a literacy program near you through the National Literacy Directory

Purchase We Are Eagles by Anna Marie Tomczyk (a portion of the proceeds support the Dominican Literacy Center)

Test yourself: Can you pass the citizenship exam?

Here’s a quick 10-question test.

All 100 citizenship test questions

Video version

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