Tania Hogan on language justice, bilingual education and the power of our stories: Storytellers of Color

May 13, 2026 - 22:17

In the latest episode of Storytellers of Color, KGNU's Rossana Longo Better sits down with Tania Hogan, executive director of CU Boulder's BUENO Center for Multicultural Education. The conversation explores language justice, bilingual education, and what it truly means for students and families to be recognized through their full identities.

Hogan, who was born in Acapulco, Mexico, brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. She argues that language is not just a tool for communication but a vessel for culture, history, and belonging. For too long, she says, bilingual students have been asked to leave part of themselves at the school door. Language justice, in her view, means creating spaces where every language is valued and where students are not forced to choose between academic success and their home identity.

She also emphasizes the power of storytelling. When families share their experiences, they challenge narrow narratives and build bridges between communities. Hogan believes that education systems must move beyond simple translation services and toward true bilingualism, where both languages are treated as assets. The episode is a reminder that the fight for equity in education is also a fight for the right to be seen, heard, and understood in the language of your heart.