Yesjj

11/02/2025

Policy & Classrooms:
Navigating Texas School Changes

Emgage recently hosted a timely community conversation with Afshi Charania, FBISD Board of Trustees (Position 3), and Aaron Burgess, Legislative Director for Rep. Suleman Lalani, to help families understand what’s new for Texas schools after the 89th Legislative Session.

This year’s session focused heavily on education increasing teacher pay, expanding school funding, and introducing new school choice and voucher programs that will reshape how classrooms operate across the state. These policy changes will directly affect how our children learn, how teachers are supported, and how families engage with their schools.

These classroom changes impact our children directly and as adults, it’s our responsibility to show up for them. 💛

We have the power to change their reality when it comes to navigating new rules, expectations, and opportunities in education.

Let your big voice be heard so their little voices can be listened and understood. 🎤👧🏽👦🏽

Everyone left feeling informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for students and educators across Texas.

09/03/2025

We are excited to invite you to join us for our annual Youth Civic Engagement Workshop, taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Chinese Community Center (9800 Townpark Dr). This is a required event if you are applying for the fellowship.

REGISTER AT tinyurl.com/youth-workshop-2025

This year’s event will feature inspiring speakers, including Councilwoman Tiffany D. Thomas, Commissioner Dexter McCoy, and Alief ISD Board President Dr. Darlene Breaux. We will discuss important issues in our community and explore ways to address them. Free ice cream, lunch, and opportunities to meet others and friends of all ages!

Please help us share this flyer with as many people as possible. We appreciate your support for youth leadership in Alief. This event is open to all ages!

08/20/2025

Whole at Last: Luz Quintanilla’s Journey to Citizenship

Luz Quintanilla was only 2 years old when her parents crossed the border from Mexico, searching for a better life. She doesn’t remember the journey, but she remembers Houston.

She grew up with the rhythm of the city she always called home.But even though Houston raised her, Luz quickly realized she was different.

At school, kids whispered, “She doesn’t even have papers.” She didn’t understand at first, but the sting stayed.

As she grew older, reality set in:
~No legal status
~Limited opportunities
~A wall between her and the future she dreamed of

“I always felt like there was a wall between me and the life I wanted,” Luz says.

Still, she never let go of hope. Luz excelled in school, spoke both English and Spanish fluently, and gave back to her community. She helped her parents with translation, bills, and anything they needed.

But doors kept closing, jobs turned her away, scholarships were harder to get. Every setback was painful, yet she kept pushing forward.

For years, Luz dreamed of the day she could proudly call herself a U.S. citizen. She studied, took classes, and prepared herself for the test.

And then, in 2020, it finally happened.

“I remember holding that certificate in my hands,” Luz recalls, eyes full of tears. “I felt like I could breathe for the first time. Like I was finally whole.”

Becoming a citizen wasn’t just paperwork. It was freedom. It was opportunity. It was acceptance.

Today, in her late 20s, Luz works at a company she once thought would never hire her. She’s saving for her first home, helping her siblings with school, and planning to start a small business with her mom.

“For me, becoming a citizen wasn’t about forgetting where I came from,” Luz says. “It was about honoring my journey and finally feeling seen.”

Her story is proof that resilience, courage, and determination can break down walls.

And now, Luz proudly says:
“I am American. I’ve always been American in my heart. Now the country sees it too.”

Don’t wait the time is now. Become a citizen today!

08/13/2025

Join us on Saturday, August 16 for a day of connection, memories, and support.

- 8409 1/2 Dairy View Ln, Houston, Tx. From 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Free Family Portraits - Capture moments that will last a lifetime

Free Professional Headshots - For resumes, business, or personal branding

Citizenship Information & Guest Speakers

Beverages Provided

Let’s come together to honor our families, celebrate our community, and build hope for the future.

Tag a family, friend, or neighbor who should be here. Share this post to spread the word!

08/11/2025

Maria Haydee made every moment count. She never left home without her U.S. citizenship book in tow. She had her husband and daughter quiz her every chance she got. And she practiced until she believed in herself.

It’s not just about studying. It’s about believing you can do it, even when nerves try to hold you back.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it. 🇺🇸

Get the help to prepare, practice, and succeed, and start your journey today at https://bit.ly/45YfFbA

08/07/2025

05/01/2025

April 2025 is over, but I couldn’t close it out without posting The Christian Heralds April’s newspaper! Mama, We made it! Honored to be apart of an amazing community! Get your copy! Support your local community and businesses! We are the people! ✊🏽 We rise together! Stay informed!