Exploring Life & Business with Jessica Feliz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Feliz. 

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Soy negra y bilingüe; no soy latina. Y soy de Detroit, Michigan. I am black and bilingual; I am not Latina. And I’m from Detroit, Michigan. 

I have said these words, in and out of order, on countless occasions when introducing myself to English and Spanish speakers alike. Oftentimes, my response leads to a follow-up question if any of my family members are of Hispanic origin. I regularly cite my three years living abroad in Costa Rica and that I’m a Spanish teacher, of which the former often seems to satisfy the curiosity of the listener more than the later. I used to take this as a compliment; however, with time I realized that my bilingual skills as a Non-Hispanic, Black American did not always compute with others. Yon (2000) writes, “In the process of claiming who one is, one is also announcing who one is not.” This is what birthed my passion for promoting bilingualism in the Black American Community and dismantling any notion that limits the linguistic capability of my people. 

With more than fifteen years of professional teaching both in the U.S and in Costa Rica, I love coaching and encouraging others in their second language acquisition. I use music (primarily hip hop) to “hook” learners with the beat and support cognitive engagement. I created Spanish S.W.A.G.™ so that learners can develop near-native fluency and practice mindfulness along their language journey as a tool for unlocking opportunities, otherwise unknown. 

I am the owner and lead educator of Jessie Feliz, LLC, a bilingual educational organization that seeks to empower and equip language learners with Spanish S.W.A.G.™ and to support educators with meaningful and impactful professional learning experiences that will accelerate their effectiveness and strengthen their connections with students. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As my good friend and business consultant Kris Thompson says, “Entrepreneur life is not for the faint” lol. And while this is definitely true, I am forever thankful that I made the decision to independently walk in what I believe to be one of my purposes here on earth – which is to help increase the rate of bilingualism in the Black American Community and to help improve second language instruction across the United States in general. 

I would say the biggest struggle along the way has been doubt. No doubt in my mission or in the effectiveness of what I offer or what I create, but the other type of doubt. That internal feeling that blurs my vision at times and impacts my level of productivity. However, I am grateful for encouraging words from the Bible, such as “Do not despise these small beginnings” (Zacariah), and quotes from inspiring people such as Michelle Obama, Nipsey Hussle, and Booker T. Washington because those words and those people help keep me grounded and focused. I am also very fortunate to be a part of a family (blood and non-biological relatives) and a community that supports me and fuels me to keep the faith as I “do the dang thang.” And the children, my awesome students, and their amazing parents – just watching them develop their Spanish S.W.A.G. on an intristic level with an organic excitement about learning is everything I need to keep it pushing! 

We’ve been impressed with Jessie Feliz, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jessie Feliz, LLC provides culturally responsive, mastery-based programming for Spanish language learners; innovative professional development for educators; and Spanish edutainment for individuals and for educational organizations. Our strategy includes leading a movement to promote Spanish S.W.A.G.™ (Speak like a native, Woke, Accents Matter, Grammar Check) or the ability to communicate with a near-native sound amongst language learners and educators alike through on-demand, live, and hybrid learning experiences. 

We offer individual subscriptions for live classes (in-person in Detroit, Michigan, or virtual); content creation for educational organizations; and professional development facilitation for schools and teachers. We have recently created an On Demand Spanish S.W.A.G. Elementary Learning Program that we began piloting in Fall 2022 to better meet the diverse schedule and learning preferences of students. We also offer international learning experiences on an annual basis to Costa Rica and to other Spanish-speaking countries. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
The following texts play a vital role in my pedagogy and inform my practice: 

Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond; 

Introducción a la lingüística hispánica actual: teoría y práctica by Javier Muñoz-Basols; 

Understanding By Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe; and 

How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms by Carol Ann Tomlinson. 

Pricing:

• Spanish S.W.A.G. On-Demand Elementary Learning Program $25 per course
• Spanish S.W.A.G. Live, Weekly Virtual Class $35 per month
• Spanish S.W.A.G. Detroit Afterschool Program $55 per month

Contact Info:

• Website: JessieFeliz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiefelizplus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiefelizplus
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessiefelizplus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jessiefeliz