Our Story

About Our Founder

Esperanza Spanish School was founded by Glenda Quezada, a bilingual executive leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing early childhood education, public health, health equity, family well-being, and community development.

Originally from Guatemala, Glenda immigrated to the United States as a young child. Growing up between two cultures shaped her commitment to preserving the Spanish language, celebrating cultural identity, and ensuring that children feel represented, valued, and proud of who they are.

Glenda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Studies from George Fox University. She has also completed advanced leadership training through Harvard, including participation in the Women in Education Leadership Program, where she strengthened her leadership skills alongside other education leaders.

Throughout her career, Glenda has worked across county government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, public health, and education. Her professional experience includes strategic planning, early learning systems, program development, workforce leadership, equity and inclusion, regulatory compliance, family engagement, budgeting, contracts, policy development, and community partnerships.

Before founding Esperanza, Glenda served in several leadership and community-focused positions, including:

Health Equity Development Director for Multnomah County
Wraparound Care Coordinator supporting youth and families
Director of Programs for the Oregon Latino Health Coalition
Program Communications and Education Specialist for Washington County
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for Multnomah County WIC
Founder of the Latina Breastfeeding Coalition
Bilingual paraeducator and speech-language pathology assistant
Community health worker and supervisor
Certified medical interpreter

Glenda also helped support advocacy efforts that expanded health coverage for children regardless of immigration status. She has served on advisory boards and committees focused on early childhood education, health equity, maternal and child health, workforce development, and the well-being of Latino families.

As Founder and Executive Director of Esperanza Spanish School, Glenda has grown the organization into a network of four licensed campuses serving more than 100 families and employing more than 25 staff members. She leads the organization’s strategic planning, curriculum development, licensing compliance, staff development, family engagement, financial management, operations, and long-term growth.

Her vision extends far beyond providing childcare. Glenda believes early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in children, families, and communities. Her goal is to create schools where children develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, compassion, leadership, cultural pride, and a lifelong love of learning while becoming bilingual in Spanish and English.

Our Values

Our Mission, Vision & Philosophy

To cultivate competent, confident, and culturally aware learners who embrace a lifelong passion for knowledge and cultural exploration, while nurturing values of empathy, respect, and inclusion.

To be a global leader in bilingual and cultural education, recognized for delivering innovative, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences that empower individuals to make positive and impactful contributions to an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

At Esperanza, we believe children are naturally curious and capable learners. We adopt a constructivist approach to education, where children actively construct knowledge through meaningful exploration and discovery. Our teachers create safe, stimulating environments where children are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and learn through their own experiences. This philosophy perfectly complements our Spanish immersion model, where language acquisition happens naturally in authentic contexts, making Spanish a living, breathing part of daily life rather than a separate subject. Our curriculum is further enriched by an emphasis on STEAM education, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in ways that relate directly to children’s interests and the real world. This approach cultivates critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills from a young age.

Our Commitment

Community Commitment and Social Responsibility

We are deeply committed to making a positive impact beyond our classrooms. Through our partnership with Sonrisas de Amor in Guatemala, we support efforts to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to vulnerable children. This connection inspires our students and community to understand the importance of giving back and global citizenship.

Our Core Principles

Authentic Spanish Immersion

We don't just teach Spanish; we live in it. Our classrooms are vibrant Spanish-speaking communities where language is acquired naturally through conversation, stories, songs, and play.

The Child as Protagonist

Inspired by a constructivist and STEAM-focused approach, we see every child as strong, capable, and full of wonder. Our curriculum is built around their interests, empowering them to lead their own learning journey.

The Environment as Teacher

Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to be calm, beautiful, and inspiring. We use natural materials and an organized layout to encourage exploration, creativity, and focused work.

Learning in Community

We foster a deep sense of belonging. Children learn to collaborate, solve problems together, and respect one another, building the social and emotional skills essential for life.