Filling the gap in Language Education

Since 2016, ReDefiners, as a non-profit organization, has empowered over 6,000 students with high-quality language education, enabling them to excel in academics, higher education, and career prospects.

About Us Page

Filling the gap in Language Education

We believe language education should be accessible to all, promoting equity and providing a competitive advantage.
By starting language learning early, we foster academic success, cultural understanding, and increased career opportunities.
About Us Page
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Help change lives through language education

Our Mission

As a community-based organization, our aim is to equip and empower individuals in the U.S. to be multilingual global citizens.

Our Vision

We envision communities in the U.S. embracing multilingualism and celebrating multiculturalism together.

 

Read Our Annual Report

Values that make a difference

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Leadership

 

We inclusively & collaboratively empower all stakeholders to have the courage to lead.

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Culture of Learning

 

We learn by studying and developing best practices, encouraging new ideas and reflecting on our experiences to guide our processes.

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Community & Recognition

 

We concretely recognize the collective value of individuals in developing a community of global citizens.

Values that make a difference

About Us Icons 1Leadership

We inclusively & collaboratively empower all stakeholders to have the courage to lead.

About Us Icons 2Culture of Learning

We learn by studying and developing best practices, encouraging new ideas and reflecting on our experiences to guide our processes.

About Us Icons 3Community & Recognition

We concretely recognize the collective value of individuals in developing a community of global citizens.

Our Founder

ReDefiners was founded by Chantelle Daniels in 2016, a full-time educator, parent, and advocate for language learning. Her goal was to bring children the opportunity to become speakers of more than English. She set out to create opportunities for children to gain access to high-quality proficiency-based language learning.

ReDefiners is a non-profit organization that prides itself on being a pioneer in early language education programming. ​She has built a team of  qualified teachers, international student volunteers and business professionals who are passionate about language and cultural education. Years later the organization has grown to offer language classes in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and English to elementary ages children in PreK-5th grade and adults.

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Our Journey

  • ReDefiners is founded as a non-profit and launches its first program - Summer Spanish Camp

    2016

  • ReDefiners becomes an approved vendor with Hillsborough County Public Schools

    2017

  • ReDefiners launches first Arabic and Mandarin programs

    2018

  • ReDefiners opens HQ office and creates the Let’s Learn program for intergenerational multilingualism

    2019

  • ReDefiners creates first online classes to provide assess to language education through the pandemic

    2020

  • ReDefiners grows to double the full time staff and debuts the Academic Achievers program

    2022

  • ReDefiners expands in-person classes to new counties in Tampa Bay as the Summer Spanish Camp doubles in size

    2023

Teaching Team

Amaal Hallum Amaal Hallum Teaching Team

Amaal Hallum

English Teacher

I'm an English Instructor currently residing in Florida. My journey includes a Master's in Education with a focus on TESOL from the University of South Florida, complemented by a bachelor's in Written Journalism from Palestine. For me, language instruction is not just a career; it's a passion and a joyful endeavor with learners of all ages.
Mariluz Naranjo Mariluz Naranjo Teaching Team

Mariluz Naranjo

Lead Spanish Teacher

Passionate about fostering cultural understanding and inspiring confidence in Spanish proficiency, I've dedicated a decade to teaching at various levels, from beginners to advanced learners, in universities and language organizations. My teaching philosophy centers on encouraging students to explore diverse aspects of Spanish-speaking culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Anietsy Amaro G. Anietsy Amaro G. Teaching Team

Anietsy Amaro G.

Spanish Teacher

Passionate about fostering cultural understanding and inspiring confidence in Spanish proficiency, I've dedicated a decade to teaching at various levels, from beginners to advanced learners, in universities and language organizations. My teaching philosophy centers on encouraging students to explore diverse aspects of Spanish-speaking culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Janet Richard Janet Richard Teaching Team

Janet Richard

English Teacher

For 8 years, English as a second language has shaped my journey. From teaching in Vietnam, Canada, and online to my current role in Tampa, language education is my forte. As an RISD CE student, I channel my creativity into freelance graphic design projects and painting during my free moments. Welcome to my world, where language meets artistry.
Sun Mengmeng Sun Mengmeng Teaching Team

Sun Mengmeng

Mandarin Teacher

As a dedicated Chinese language instructor, I prioritize cultural education and incorporate traditional Chinese arts into my teaching. I have a wide-ranging experience, from kindergarteners in immersion programs to college students and adult learners. I utilize innovative methods and multimedia resources to actively engage students and nurture a holistic understanding of Chinese language and culture.
Lubabah Hasan Lubabah Hasan Teaching Team

Lubabah Hasan

Lead Arabic Teacher

Ph.D. in Arabic Literature and Criticism from the University of Jordan with 17 years of teaching experience. Specialized in creating immersive Arabic curricula with a focus on the communicative approach. Proven track record in providing educational resources in diverse settings, both face-to-face and online.
Richard Baroudy Richard Baroudy Teaching Team

Richard Baroudy

Arabic Teacher

I'm an Arabic language and literature instructor. I teach Arabic grammar, vocabulary, and literature history through engaging lessons and hands-on activities. My focus is on creating a safe and effective learning environment, emphasizing class discipline and effective pedagogy. Join me for an immersive exploration of the Arabic language and its rich literary tradition.
Eman Alshurafa Eman Alshurafa Teaching Team

Eman Alshurafa

English Teacher

Teaching is my passion. I love to watch kids/adults learning and growing in their language. My goal is to finish my PhD in applied linguistics as soon as I can.
Scott Matejka Scott Matejka Teaching Team

Scott Matejka

Lead English Teacher

For nearly a decade, I've been deeply involved in ESOL, with most of my experience gained in Moscow, Russia. When not teaching, you'll often find me on the tennis court, engrossed in a game of poker, or exploring the strategic world of chess. Family-wise, I'm blessed with two children and a loving wife, and I couldn't be happier living in sunny Tampa.
Carolina Pasquez Carolina Pasquez Teaching Team

Carolina Pasquez

Spanish Teacher

As a bilingual Spanish teacher, I'm passionate about language education and cultural exchange. With experience teaching diverse groups of children in Venezuela, Chile, and the United States, I'm dedicated to nurturing a love for language learning.
Yinghan Jin Yinghan Jin Teaching Team

Yinghan Jin

Mandarin Teacher

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Technology in Education & Second Language Acquisition at USF, I bring experience from teaching Mandarin at the Council on International Educational Exchange and English to Chinese K-5 students in China. My mission is to make Chinese culture accessible to children of all backgrounds.
Monica Villar Monica Villar Teaching Team

Monica Villar

English Teacher

I am a devoted and outcome-oriented educator dedicated to delivering excellence in both quality and service. With more than 25 years of extensive experience in the field, my fervent passion for education and community engagement drives my unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes.

Leadership Team

Chantelle Daniels Chantelle Daniels Operations Team

Chantelle Daniels

Executive Director

With 16+ years of international leadership and education experience, I'm dedicated to empowering multilingual citizens. Originally from Detroit, MI, I hold degrees from Western Michigan University and Regent University. I'm committed to ongoing professional development and hold certifications in Grant Writing and Non-profit Management.
Carmela Diaz Carmela Diaz Programs Team

Carmela Diaz

Director of Programs

I believe that education is a powerful tool that can be used to empower individuals and communities. I am dedicated to creating programs and initiatives that are sustainable and have a long-lasting impact on the communities we serve. I understand the importance of collaboration and building strong partnerships in order to achieve our goals.
Ingrid Holguin Ingrid Holguin Academic Achievers Program

Ingrid Holguin

AAP Director

My career journey began in journalism and communications, transitioning to editing, technical writing, and finally, education. Over a decade, I've worked as a teacher, curriculum developer, and educational textbook editor across South Korea, Congo, and the United States. Outside of work, I'm dedicated to causes centered on education, equality, and women's empowerment.
Kaitlyn Forster Kaitlyn Forster Multilingual Citizens Program

Kaitlyn Forster

Program Coordinator

USF graduate with dual degrees in International Studies and Applied Linguistics. I've been teaching ESL for 2 years, online and in-person, including abroad in South Korea. Passionate about languages, I speak intermediate Spanish and A1 levels in Italian, Polish, and Korean. Beyond teaching, I delve into history and indulge in a love for theater and music. Join me on a journey of language, culture, and the arts.
Adriana Vega Adriana Vega Global Explorers Program

Adriana Vega

Program Coordinator

I received my Bachelors in biological health sciences from the University of South Florida in December of 2022. I have a passion for public health and addressing the social determinants of health through community programs. I work part-time as a Waiver support coordinator for individuals with disabilities in Florida and now for ReDefiners World Languages as the GEP program coordinator.
Jelena Feliciano Jelena Feliciano Community Support Team

Jelena Feliciano

Community Support Specialist

I'm bilingual individual fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, with a strong background in data analysis and application support. My passion lies in fostering community connections through leveraging data insights and providing support where needed.
Lucas Blanco Lucas Blanco Social Impact Team

Lucas Blanco

Marketing Director

I bring 6+ years of international marketing and PR experience. I craft high-impact campaigns and customer journeys that drive ROI. Passionate about storytelling and brand growth, I blend strategy and creativity to build strong global connections across diverse markets.
Lubabah Hasan Lubabah Hasan Teaching Team

Lubabah Hasan

Lead Arabic Teacher

Ph.D. in Arabic Literature and Criticism from the University of Jordan with 17 years of teaching experience. Specialized in creating immersive Arabic curricula with a focus on the communicative approach. Proven track record in providing educational resources in diverse settings, both face-to-face and online.
Scott Matejka Scott Matejka Teaching Team

Scott Matejka

Lead English Teacher

For nearly a decade, I've been deeply involved in ESOL, with most of my experience gained in Moscow, Russia. When not teaching, you'll often find me on the tennis court, engrossed in a game of poker, or exploring the strategic world of chess. Family-wise, I'm blessed with two children and a loving wife, and I couldn't be happier living in sunny Tampa.
Mariluz Naranjo Mariluz Naranjo Teaching Team

Mariluz Naranjo

Lead Spanish Teacher

Passionate about fostering cultural understanding and inspiring confidence in Spanish proficiency, I've dedicated a decade to teaching at various levels, from beginners to advanced learners, in universities and language organizations. My teaching philosophy centers on encouraging students to explore diverse aspects of Spanish-speaking culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity.

Board of Directors

Teresa Johns Teresa Johns Board of Directors

Teresa Johns

Board Member

I've served on the board for 3 years after benefiting from RDWL services like summer camps and Arabic classes for 2 years. My skills include multilingualism and non-profit management. With 16 years of non-profit experience, including 5 years in early childhood education and administration, I am proficient in English and Spanish and conversational in Mandarin, Arabic, French, and German.
Heather Curry, Ph.D. Heather Curry, Ph.D. Board of Directors

Heather Curry, Ph.D.

Board Member

With nearly 20 years in equity and inclusion work, I design strategies that advance accessibility and justice in policy and practice. As a DEI consultant and learning strategist, I partner with leaders to build equitable systems in recruitment, retention, and community development. I’m driven by the belief that we all do better when we all do better—and that real change starts with inclusive, innovative action.
CT Harris CT Harris Board of Directors

CT Harris

Board Member

With over 19 years of business experience across industries, I’m passionate about using my leadership, network, and voice to advance meaningful change. I believe in community service, advocacy, and the power of language to connect cultures. As a lifelong learner and communicator, I’m proud to support Redefiners World Languages in building a more inclusive, culturally aware world—one conversation at a time.
Barbie Blank Barbie Blank Board of Directors

Barbie Blank

Board Member

I bring 18 years in project management and business development, plus 12 in banking leadership, to support RDWL’s mission. Skilled in budgeting, events, and fundraising, I’m committed to engaging AmeriCorps Seniors and growing community impact. My board experience and strategic focus can help open doors for those we serve.
Mariela Ayala Mariela Ayala Board of Directors

Mariela Ayala

Board Member

I’m a bilingual public speaker and freelance paralegal with experience across legal, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Skilled in negotiation, events, and people management, I bring creativity and connection to every role. I speak on motivation, nutrition, and glow-up journeys in English and Spanish. I believe diversity drives opportunity—join me in spreading the word and opening doors for others.

Interested in joining our growing team?

Interested in joining our growing team?

Partner Testimonials

suncoastcreditunion

“We understand that education plays an essential role in the well-being of our future, and that with education, we become a stronger and better equipped society. We want to contribute to the success of young people, knowing that these students are the future of our communities.”

Kourtney Berry

Executive Director | Suncoast Credit Union Foundation

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"I wanted to take a moment to recognize the outstanding services provided by Multilingual Citizens Program  in 2023 to children and their families in our community.  The program met all of its outcomes and together we are making an impact to meet needs in our community that reaffirm our commitments.
 
On behalf of the Children’s Board, Congratulations! All of our thanks go out to you and your staff."

María Negrón

Director of Programs | Children's Board of Hillsborough County

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“Literacy is the great equalizer. PNC supports the ReDefiners World Languages programs in Tampa because we recognize that economic vitality and a brighter future begins with better language skills supported by quality educational opportunities for children and families.” 

Chad Loar

PNC regional president for West & Central Florida | PNC Foundation