It's About Language, with Norah Jones

Insightful conversations on the nature and impact of language and culture with creative leaders in the fields of education, business, arts, and science. Their stories shed light on how language makes us human - and brings hope.Find your voice. Enter the conversation. Find your superpower.

Contributors

Host

Norah L Jones

As the daughter of a Croatian immigrant, I’ve used languages to connect with my family far and wide. Studying and living languages and cultures have given me a career in the language profession as a teacher, supervisor, organization leader, and as an author, trainer, and director of professional development for educational publishers.

I provide workshops, presentations, and talks that inspire and engage through powerful language insights paired with highly-practical real-life applications. I’d love to share ideas with your organization or group, and develop an event tailored to your objectives.

Through my life and through Fluency Consulting LLC, I’m dedicated to bringing hope to the world by helping people find their own voice, no matter the language. I look forward to connecting with you.

Guests

Guest

Ana Lucia Lico

Ana Lucia Lico is an educator, advocate, and researcher passionate about heritage language preservation. Born in Brazil and living in the U.S. since 2003, Ana co-founded ABRACE, a community school supporting Portuguese as a heritage language, and serves on the boards of the Coalition for CBHLS and AOTP. Her journey began as a mother, determined to raise her sons in Portuguese, the language of her heart, and her work now empowers families to maintain their cultural roots.

Ana holds a Master’s in Linguistics focused on heritage language and has been recognized for her contributions, including awards from the Brazilian government and AOTP. Her research highlights the role of heritage language in shaping adolescents’ sense of belonging and provides strategies for parents and educators to encourage continued learning. Ana believes language is a bridge to identity and community, inspiring pride in cultural heritage for future generations.

Guest appearance on:

S5E5 Its About Language : Embrace Your Gifts | Guest Ana Lucia Lico

Guest

Megan Diercks

Megan Diercks' bio and resources

Megan Diercks is the executive director of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). She has taught at both the high school (in TX) and university (in CO) levels. Prior to becoming the executive director, Megan served as a local AATF chapter officer (in TX and in CO), the National Bulletin Editor, the Assistant National French Contest Director, and the Region IX Representative. When not supporting French teachers, Megan enjoys knitting/crocheting, cooking, reading, and traveling with her husband and daughter.

Resources: www.frenchteachers.org & aatf@frenchteachers.org

Guest

Steven Sacco

Steven J. Sacco is Professor Emeritus of French & Italian in the Department of European Studies and Co-Director Emeritus of San Diego State’s Center for International Business and Research (CIBER). He is also President of Sacco Global Consulting which serves clients on five continents. Throughout his career, Steve was a nontraditional academic who collaborated across campus with colleagues in business and engineering and off-campus with business organizations. His goal was to partner with these constituent groups to prepare globally ready students and business practitioners.