Gemma Cabrera, an educator at North Georgetown Elementary School and a La Colectiva Steering Committee member, has been helping families navigate the ins and outs of at-home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gemma is a bilingual liaison, interpreting for teachers and families during meetings for special education for students at two schools. She provides the service for about 90 Hispanic families.

In addition to performing her usual duties online, Mrs. Cabrera has reached out to families during the pandemic. She has helped students get computers and understand technology and supported parents dealing with their children’s online learning.

“I feel so grateful when I get to relay messages to teachers and staff from parents expressing their gratitude by saying, ‘Thank you for all you have done for us and our child,’” Gemma said.

Gemma’s family was from Holland. She lived in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. She was inspired to pursue her career by her younger sister, who grew up with a disability. “My sister inspired me because she was always so optimistic. She was a go-getter and a fighter,” Gemma said.

Her family had to migrate for a better life, living in poor countries. Gemma has seen the need in poor communities, learning understanding and compassion for families trying to better their children’s lives.

After moving to Delaware and raising a family, Gemma was asked to conduct ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) testing and worked as a liaison for the growing Hispanic population. Gemma has worked at North Georgetown Elementary for 20 years and as a community liaison for Indian River School District.

Gemma says she loves helping families and especially enjoys second-generation success. “It’s rewarding to see how … children who grew up to be parents are able to come back and bring their children to school and … they no longer need the services that their parents needed years back,” she said.

Gemma became a Steering Committee member of La Colectiva recently when she heard about the organization’s initiative and mission. She believes getting many resources and organizations working together is very productive. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve on the board,“ she said. “Building trust within the community is a tough mission but one that I believe could be achieved through La Colectiva’s work.”