About Yo Hablo
Our mission, vision, and values
Our Story
Yo Hablo was founded with a simple mission: to make Spanish language learning accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant for students of all ages. We recognized that traditional language learning methods often fail to connect with today's youth, so we created an innovative approach that leverages the universal language of music and hip hop.
Our team of educators, musicians, and language experts work together to create lessons that not only teach Spanish vocabulary and grammar but also introduce students to the rich cultural contexts in which the language is used.
Our Mission
To make Spanish language learning accessible and engaging through the universal language of music and hip hop, breaking down barriers to language acquisition and fostering cultural understanding.
Our Vision
A world where language barriers are broken down through cultural exchange and innovative educational methods, where students are excited to learn new languages and connect with diverse communities.
Our Values
Cultural Respect
We honor and celebrate the diverse cultures where Spanish is spoken, ensuring our content is authentic and respectful.
Educational Innovation
We continuously seek new and effective ways to teach language, embracing technology and creative approaches.
Accessibility
We believe language learning should be available to all students, regardless of background or resources.
The Power of Music
We recognize music's unique ability to connect people across languages and cultures, making it the perfect vehicle for language learning.
Our Team
Meet the passionate educators and innovators behind Yo Hablo
COORDINATION TEAM
Julian Hill (aka Señor Hill)
Co-Founder, Lead Creative
Educator and entrepreneur, repping the Keyz for sure…
Julian (he/they) is a former Spanish teacher in Compton, CA, and a native of Kankakee, IL. They have worked with youth since high school in a number of roles - day camp counselor, after-school program recreation coordinator, tutor and mentor. Julian has studied Spanish abroad in Spain and Guatemala, backpacked through almost all of Central and South America and has advised several Spanish-speaking worker cooperatives and other companies. Yo Hablo allows Julian to mix his passion for music (former violist, occasional poet) and his love for teaching and empowering youth.
Patrick Senat
Co-Founder, Lead Strategist
Community organizer, educator, futurist - keeping Brooklyn on the map.
Patrick Senat (he/him) has always believed in the power of education. Senat graduated from Wesleyan University where he co-led the Traverse Square after-school center, an education enrichment program for K-12 students. After graduating college in 2008, Patrick taught World History and English to high school students in Southern California. Later in 2015, Patrick would return home to Brooklyn and serve as an appointed member of his Community Education Council in the New York City Department of Education, the largest school district in the nation. Yo Hablo allows Patrick to champion language acquisition in a culturally responsive way.
Advisory Circle
Dallas Rico
TV Writer & Former Spanish Teacher
Dallas Rico (he/him), a TV Writer, taught high school Spanish for over a decade, both on the West Coast and the East Coast, in public and private schools. Though he has left the classroom to pursue a career in TV writing, he is still very much passionate about Education. Yo Hablo allows Dallas to continue to encourage students to learn Spanish and, in a way, to relive his teaching days.
Alexandra Thomas
Ed.D., Founder of Atlanta Teaching and Learning Lab
Alexandra Thomas (she/her) received her Doctorate in Education from the Curriculum and Teaching department at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds an M.S. in Childhood Education from Lehman College and a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgia Institute of Technology. Alexandra is the Founder and Director of Atlanta Teaching and Learning Lab, which provides professional learning opportunities for teachers. Before starting ATL Lab, Alexandra was a Professional Development Consultant at The Center for Technology and School Change at Columbia University specializing in curriculum design and interdisciplinary pedagogies. She is passionate about social justice education and helping learners develop into critical thinkers.
Our Team
Meet the passionate educators and innovators behind Yo Hablo
COORDINATION TEAM
Julian Hill (aka Señor Hill)
Co-Founder, Lead Creative
Educator and entrepreneur, repping the Keyz for sure…
Julian (he/they) is a former Spanish teacher in Compton, CA, and a native of Kankakee, IL. They have worked with youth since high school in a number of roles - day camp counselor, after-school program recreation coordinator, tutor and mentor. Julian has studied Spanish abroad in Spain and Guatemala, backpacked through almost all of Central and South America and has advised several Spanish-speaking worker cooperatives and other companies. Yo Hablo allows Julian to mix his passion for music (former violist, occasional poet) and his love for teaching and empowering youth.
Patrick Senat
Co-Founder, Lead Strategist
Community organizer, educator, futurist - keeping Brooklyn on the map.
Patrick Senat (he/him) has always believed in the power of education. Senat graduated from Wesleyan University where he co-led the Traverse Square after-school center, an education enrichment program for K-12 students. After graduating college in 2008, Patrick taught World History and English to high school students in Southern California. Later in 2015, Patrick would return home to Brooklyn and serve as an appointed member of his Community Education Council in the New York City Department of Education, the largest school district in the nation. Yo Hablo allows Patrick to champion language acquisition in a culturally responsive way.
Advisory Circle
Dallas Rico
TV Writer & Former Spanish Teacher
Dallas Rico (he/him), a TV Writer, taught high school Spanish for over a decade, both on the West Coast and the East Coast, in public and private schools. Though he has left the classroom to pursue a career in TV writing, he is still very much passionate about Education. Yo Hablo allows Dallas to continue to encourage students to learn Spanish and, in a way, to relive his teaching days.
Alexandra Thomas
Ed.D., Founder of Atlanta Teaching and Learning Lab
Alexandra Thomas (she/her) received her Doctorate in Education from the Curriculum and Teaching department at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds an M.S. in Childhood Education from Lehman College and a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgia Institute of Technology. Alexandra is the Founder and Director of Atlanta Teaching and Learning Lab, which provides professional learning opportunities for teachers. Before starting ATL Lab, Alexandra was a Professional Development Consultant at The Center for Technology and School Change at Columbia University specializing in curriculum design and interdisciplinary pedagogies. She is passionate about social justice education and helping learners develop into critical thinkers.