Free Minds Project

12/22/2022

Students celebrated the end of the semester with faculty and Free Minds staff.

11/22/2022

Meet the new Free Minds Program Specialist, Liz Seelig, as she shares her story.

Born and raised in the desert of Las Cruces, New Mexico, I moved to Austin, Tx after I graduated from New Mexico State University in 2011. I have a B.A in English focusing on Literature, Language, and Culture and a B.A in Secondary Education focusing on English. I am currently studying Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy and Language as a Master Student at University of Texas. (Hook’em Horns!)

It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to be working back at Foundation Communities! In 2012, I was an after-school youth program assistant at M-Station. I loved serving the community and working with young people. One of my passions is literacy for ALL! This led me to become a Public-School teacher for over 9 years. I taught English classes in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Leander ISD. My philosophy is to meet you where you are on your educational journey to cultivate the genius inside you.

I am an avid reader and writer! Some of my favorite authors are Octavia Butler, Neal Shusterman, and Erica Sanchez. However, I will read anything and everything. As a writer, I am currently working on a memoir piece about my family and ancestors. I have been published in Latinx Spaces, an all Latinx written and run online magazine, and I have been published in All In, a Political Action Community for Public Schools.

Please check out my pieces: Not a Perfect Daughter Not a Perfect Mexican
https://www.latinxspaces.com/latinx-literature/not-a-perfect-daughter-and-not-a-perfect-mexican

Public School Education Has Saved My Life
https://www.latinxspaces.com/latinx-literature/not-a-perfect-daughter-and-not-a-perfect-mexican

11/22/2022

The Clemente Course for the Humanities is offering informal conversations with faculty and alumni over the next few months to build community. For the month of December, the conversation is:
Cultivating the Creativity Mindset: An Alum Shares Her Story.

When: Thursday, December 1, 7:30-9:00 p.m, ET

To register for this event, visit:

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Clemente Conversation: Cultivating the Creativity Mindset with Samantha Jordan. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

11/22/2022

The Free Minds program, joins Dr. Patricia Garcia, Lecturer, Department of English/Mexican American Studies at UT Austin to meet author Reyna Grande, to discuss The Distance Between Us.

11/01/2022

A student experience with Dr. Janis Bergman-Carton, Faculty with the Free Minds Program, slow-looking at the Casta paintings to include stopping in for a special production by Salvage Vanguard Theater. Casta: an intimate multi-lingual performance featuring music, puppetry, and dance.

10/24/2022

The Clemente Course for the Humanities is offering informal conversations with faculty and alumni over the next few months to build community. For the month of November, the conversation is:

Meet the Filmmaker: Screening and Discussion of ACCEPTED

Wednesday, November 2, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Register here:

Join us for a discussion of the documentary film ACCEPTED with filmmaker Dan Chen. Screen the film for free at PBS.org/POV.

10/18/2022

Gabriela Lorenzo, Adult Education Instructor from Austin Community College presents a workshop on Planning for Life Progress.

10/12/2022

An exploration of resilience and determination.

10/12/2022

Dr. Matthew Daude Laurents, Dean of Liberal Arts at Austin Community College, engaging students in Plato's Republic.

10/12/2022

The Clemente Course for the Humanities is offering informal conversations with faculty and alumni over the next few months. For the month of October, the conversation is:

Thinking with Du Bois in the 21st Century led by Dr. Janis de Novais.

October 13, 2022, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. ET

Register here:org

10/12/2022

Free Minds is hiring for a Program Specialist. Apply .org