Ep#177: Equity for Multilingual Learners w/ Dr. Julie Lara Artwork

I Spark Change Podcast

Are you ready to join us in creating a better world? Awesome! Because you’re in the right place. The I Spark Change Podcast is about those who spread positive change across the globe. They are doing acts or work that have a positive impact on humanity. The guests on our show are what we call Social Impact Heroes. These are everyday people like you and me. They make a difference, whether through their actions or their impact on others. Their impact may be big or small. In all instances, it's a beacon of light for everyone they encounter. Each week we feature inspiring stories and messages of struggle, courage, and hope to help spread positive change and create a better world for all of us.

All Episodes

I Spark Change Podcast

Ep#177: Equity for Multilingual Learners w/ Dr. Julie Lara

January 14, 2026

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Dr. Julie Lara, Multilingual Programs Director at Ensemble Learning, former Director of the Emergent Bilingual Support Division at the Texas Education Agency, and a leading advocate for educational equity.

She reflects on her journey from special education teacher to statewide policy leader serving 1.3 million emergent bilingual students. Julie opens up about her identity as a first-generation Latina, how her family’s story shaped her purpose, and why embracing students’ home languages is essential for academic success and generational change.

Julie shares the pivotal moments that fueled her passion for dual-language education, including the creation of the Texas Effective Dual Language Immersion Framework and her work influencing national conversations on multilingual policy. She explains how bilingualism is a superpower, why culturally responsive education matters, and how community members can advocate for more equitable schools.

This inspiring conversation reveals the heart behind Julie’s leadership and her mission to ensure every child—regardless of background, identity, or zip code—has access to an empowering education that honors who they are.

This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀

We will discuss the following:

⭐️ Dual-language education is one of the most effective ways to support emergent bilingual students and promote long-term academic success.

⭐️ Dr. Lara explains how multilingualism strengthens cognition, identity, and opportunities for generational upward mobility.

⭐️ The episode explores how equitable policy decisions directly shape student outcomes statewide and nationally.

⭐️ Listeners learn why community advocacy and voting are essential to advancing bilingual education.

⭐️ Julie shares how her lived experience fuels her commitment to transforming systems for multilingual learners.

& more...

Know more about Julie:

Julie's LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/in/julie-lara-ph-d-97591437

Ensemble Learning LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ensemblelearning/posts/?feedView=all

Ensemble Learning Website

https://ensemblelearning.org/

Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change.

25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join

Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange

Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽

IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas
FB: Group
Twitter: @isparkchange
YTB: @i_spark_change

Support the show