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Language education has the power to transform lives, bridge communities and make the world a better place today and tomorrow.
—Chantelle Daniels
Everyone has a mission to change the world with their skills, knowledge, and passion. Dreams become achievable when one is committed to creating something groundbreaking from scratch. A perfect example of this scenario is our founder, educator, and parent, Chantelle Daniels.
Without the courage of Chantelle, our community wouldn’t be able to see how many opportunities out there. ReDefiners World Languages has become a second home for many people as it opens its doors to anyone passionate about learning and connecting with others, just like our founder aspired to share with her children.
The origins of our organization started back in 2015 when educator Chantelle started conceptualizing the idea. Reflecting on those beginnings, she remarked, “As I realized the disparity between what we wanted and what was possible I became enraged at the inequity in educational opportunities that still exist and vowed to do something about it.”
At the core of ReDefiners' mission lies Chantelle's unwavering commitment to educational equity. She ensures that language education is accessible to all children through strategic partnerships, fundraising efforts, and community engagement.
As an avid reader, Chantelle analyzed how the plot of dystopian novels tends to demonstrate the lack of faith and trust in humanity, and how it is becoming a reality. She believes that the power of communication is more than a skill, it’s a gateway that leads you to grow personally and professionally.
“Our most desperate plights in our world today are manifestations of these same problems: terrorism, racism, prejudice, hate, economic inequity, violence. If we as people are open enough to connect and learn about the various cultures that surround us, we will better understand the perspectives of others and empathize with their experiences.”
By offering free or low-cost programs and raising awareness about the value of language education, ReDefiners strives to remove barriers such as cost, location, and eligibility, making language education accessible to underserved communities.
Moments That Strengthen Us
After the success of ReDefiners’ first program launched in the summer of 2016, Chantelle continued to grow and share her resources with the support of the team and the community. She explained, “I am inspired and proud of the amazing team we have and appreciative of the support that we have gained from funding partners, volunteers, and program hosts.”
Chantelle recalls the dedication and support of the ReDefiners team back in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and staff turnover. Rather than succumbing to adversity, the challenging situation inspired her to find an alternative and creative solution that led to the collaboration and strategic development of our Live Virtual Program.
She emphasized how having a collaborative workplace inspires our language learning methods, as it inspires the team to bring these relevant resources creatively and enjoyably. “Each day, I am humbled and inspired to push forward, especially when I hear and see just how passionate our ReDefiners community of leaders, educators, and change-makers are in fulfilling this mission that I conceptualized,” Chantelle expressed.
One of her fond memories is from a Summer Program in 2019 when ReDefiners was able to host a three-language camp (Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish) that served nearly 100 children. Chantelle remembers one student in particular due to her excitement and participation. After learning about China and its culture, the student expressed her desire to visit this country and see the Cherry Blossom trees in person.
Chantelle shared that this moment still resonates with her as it represents the reason why ReDefiners was founded. She shared, “I was practically in tears at this point because this was exactly the camp's purpose—to expose children from underprivileged communities to a world beyond their neighborhood, to inspire them to learn, to grow, to experience, and to make connections that can truly open doors to anything that their hearts desire, if given the chance.”
Beyond Language Instruction
Over the years, ReDefiners has been able to share amazing experiences and resources in Hillsborough County. Chantelle aspires for the organization to become a household name across the U.S. and become well-known globally.
The organization aims to expand its programs nationally, offering virtual community partnerships and extending services to senior populations to promote lifelong learning and cognitive wellness.
Chantelle’s determination reminds us that even a single individual, driven by passion and purpose, can spark remarkable change. She advises aspiring changemakers looking to initiate a positive social change through education to remain open-minded and embrace lifelong learning. “Go forth knowing that your desire to make a difference is not by chance, you are destined to make an impact,” Chantelle affirms.
The organization continues to grow thanks to the support of our students, team, and foundations who recognize the importance of promoting equity in education. Individuals and the community can support ReDefiners' mission through various avenues, including donations, volunteering, joining the board, or becoming AmeriCorps members.
Chantelle's journey with ReDefiners embodies the essence of resilience, empathy, and collective action in driving meaningful social change. Her tireless efforts to bridge educational gaps and promote cultural diversity have not only empowered underserved communities but have also fostered a sense of belonging and inclusion for all.
Join us in our mission to make a difference! Whether you're interested in participating in our programs, supporting us as sponsors or donors, or lending your time and skills as volunteers, your contribution matters. Together, we can create a brighter future through language education and cultural understanding. Contact us today to learn how you can get involved with ReDefiners.