Voices and Visions: Honoring Our Illustrators and Writers

The UHD Bilingual E-Library proudly hosted a special Illustrators and Writers Tribute to honor the creativity, dedication, and talent of those who bring stories to life within our community. The event was held at the University of Houston–Downtown in partnership with the UHD Center for Latino Studies and celebrated the powerful role of storytelling in bilingual literacy, culture, and education.

This meaningful gathering recognized illustrators for their artistic contributions and writers—families from the Family Community Center—who authored their own bilingual stories through the E-Library’s programs. We are deeply grateful for the commitment, trust, and continued support of these families, whose dedication to learning and storytelling made this celebration possible.

Throughout the semester, participating families attended bilingual literacy and storytelling classes, where they developed reading and writing skills while learning how to transform personal experiences into published stories. With the support of instructors, technology, and creative tools, families gained confidence as writers and storytellers, proving that every voice matters and every story deserves to be told.

This incredible group of family writers was supported by Sheyla Rodriguez, Reading Manager, whose guidance and encouragement played a vital role in the success of the program. Her dedication to supporting students and families created a welcoming learning environment where creativity, confidence, and growth could flourish.

A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of Kibru Lenore, one of our own UHD Bilingual E-Library staff members. Kibru has illustrated a vast number of stories within the E-Library, bringing warmth, emotion, and cultural depth to each page. Beyond illustration, Kibru is also the creative genius behind many of the E-Library’s social media videos, using visual storytelling to amplify our mission and connect with the broader community in powerful and engaging ways.

Illustrators as a whole were honored for their exceptional work in visually bringing stories to life. Their illustrations add meaning, accessibility, and vibrancy to each book, helping readers—especially young and emerging bilingual readers—connect deeply with the narratives.

During the tribute, certificates of recognition were presented to illustrators and family writers alike, celebrating their dedication and accomplishments. The event served as a reminder of the transformative power of education, creativity, and community collaboration.

The UHD Bilingual E-Library remains committed to empowering families through bilingual literacy, storytelling, and access to technology. Events like this tribute reflect our mission to uplift voices, celebrate culture, and build pathways for lifelong learning—one story at a time.

We extend our sincere thanks to the families from the Family Community Center, our illustrators, partners, staff, and supporters who continue to make this work possible. Together, we are building a future where stories connect generations, strengthen communities, and inspire dreams.