KATHERINE (KATIE) MAYOPOULOS
Middlebury College, B.A., Spanish and Sociology

While at Middlebury College, Katie spent her years immersed in Spanish. She lived in Middlebury’s Spanish house, interned at Human Connections, a nonprofit in Mexico, and studied abroad and worked in Spain. When not studying Spanish and sociology, Katie enjoyed directing and acting in plays, promoting body positivity, and mentoring first-year students. For her undergraduate thesis, Katie used her Spanish language skills to interview Latin American survivors of violence who had emigrated to Spain about the formation of trust networks in a new country. Currently, Katie is finishing her first year with Teach for America as a Spanish teacher at the International High School of New Orleans. She teaches all levels of Spanish language and literature, from Spanish I students to native Spanish speakers. Katie believes that language learning is central to being a global citizen, to effectively and empathetically communicating with others, and to advocating for communities on an international scale. She is fluent in Spanish and has experience with Portuguese, Hebrew, and modern Greek. This fall, Katie will be returning to New Orleans to continue teaching.

DESMOND MCCANN
University of Oregon, B.A., Spanish, B.A., History

While at Oregon, Desmond focused on the study of the Spanish language, as well as the culture and history of Spain. For his third year of school, he studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, beginning his interest and appreciation for the country’s unique language and culture. Upon graduation, Desmond returned to Spain to work as a language assistant and cultural ambassador in the town of Don Benito. While in Don Benito, he immersed himself more deeply in the language and culture, taking part in the town’s camaraderie and events as well as bridging the gap between American and Spanish culture. Desmond now works as a high school baseball coach, helping to develop the necessary skills in his players to become successful on the diamond and as adults. Desmond is fluent in Spanish, holding a level C1 diploma in Spanish as a Second Language from Instituto Cervantes. Presently, Desmond is studying to become a certified Spanish-English translator and interpreter in California.