Juan Santillana
Juan Santillana, assistant professor of Spanish at Chattanooga State Community College, was recently nominated for the 2016 Latino Leadership Awards, a LaPaz initiative. As one of 10 nominees, the selection committee reviews all nominations and then has the difficult task of choosing “what true leaders in the Latino and Hispanic community look like.” All 10 nominees will be recognized for achievements in their profession or career and community involvement at the banquet on September 19.
Mr. Santillana began his role as a community volunteer following his move from Spain to the U.S. more than 10 years ago by helping to develop a Spanish heritage program in Nashville’s Antioch High School attended by more than 250 students over a four-year period. This program allowed him to collaborate with key community members in Nashville including Conexión Americas, YMCA Latino Achievers, and the Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee’s Rights Coalition.
In 2013, after accepting a position as a full-time instructor of Spanish at Chattanooga State, Mr. Santillana has been engaged with students as a lead advisor of the Spanish Club whose work with LaPaz is ongoing. He has worked diligently to include a module in every Spanish course devoted to promote intercultural communication skills specifically designed to help bridge the cultural divides in the area. He also is heavily involved in TnCIS, promoting study abroad in Spain and Cuba.
Recently promoted to assistant professor, Mr. Santillana remains dedicated to his students and works to continue strengthening his community involvement in Chattanooga.