Welcome back to the Mayor’s Office of New Americans Newsletter! Since the last issue, Mayor Megan Barry has transitioned into office. Mayor Barry believes that the diversity in our city enables a unique discussion where new ideas and approaches to solving problems can emerge. The New American community in Nashville strengthens our economy and broadens our cultural horizons through creating a warm and welcoming environment for all. I feel honored and grateful to Mayor Barry for giving me the opportunity to work with the Mayor’s Office to build on the progress we’ve made, while finding new ways to empower New Americans to improve their lives and strengthen the entire Nashville community. I am excited to be here and I look forward to working with all of you, my great co-workers at the Mayor’s Office, and other Metro offices to make our city even greater together.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Lazón, Director

The Office of New Americans is now a part of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods and Community Engagement and serves to fulfill their joint mission of amplifying the voices of all Nashvillians in the governing process.

To understand more about Mayor Barry's support for diversity in Nashville, watch this video of the Statement of Solidarity with Our Muslim Neighbors, coordinated by the Metro Human Relations Commission.

We are thrilled to announce that the MyCity Academy 2016 applications are live! Help us continue to connect the New American community with Metro Nashville Government through this acclaimed seven-month program. Visit our website to complete the online form or download a copy of the application to submit via email to newamericans@nashville.gov. 

Applications are due Friday, February 5, 2016.

Last October, the second cohort of Parent Ambassadors began mentoring New American parents. Thanks to the hard work of Ruben DePeña at the MNPS Office of English Learners, the program involves 19 Parent Ambassadors who speak 9 different languages from 10 different countries. Parent Ambassadors mentor New American families new to Metro Schools in order to help them understand, navigate and succeed in the school system. They receive extensive training, and they share their wisdom and experience with parents from backgrounds similar to their own. Click here to watch a video of Jose Sauceda, a Parent Ambassador in his second year serving with the program.

If you would like to volunteer to serve as a Parent Ambassador, contact Ruben DePeña, EL Family and Community Liaison, MNPS Office of English Learners, at ruben.depena@mnps.org.