Sil Ganzó (Charlotte, North Carolina) is the founder and Executive Director of ourBRIDGE. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sil began her career in education while working at a local 21st Century Community Learning Center (21stCCLC) after school program as an office assistant and tutor. Two years later, in 2012, she was promoted to Program Director, a position she held until May 2014. During her tenure with the after school program, Sil recognized a greater need for the refugee and immigrant community and was inspired to create ourBRIDGE, a safe, nurturing, respectful environment where refugee, immigrant, and 1st generation American children would be encouraged to achieve academic excellence and cultural pride, and where their families would feel welcome and embraced as they strive to start their lives anew in the United States. A strong advocate for love, diversity and respect among cultures, Sil was recipient of the 2014 Charlottean of the Year award, and her organization was recognized by Social Venture Partners as one of the Top 10 Most Impactful Non-Profits in 2014. Sil has recently presented her innovative approaches to teach English to newcomers for the National After School Association’s webinar series, in collaboration with Youth Today and the American Institute for Research. (Attended Aspen Ideas Festival)