By Fabiana Silva Ramírez
Milagros Ugueto doesn't just teach Spanish; she fosters pride, helps people reconnect with their roots, and strengthens communities. Born in Venezuela, she has a solid background in education with a concentration in English, but her calling extends far beyond the classroom: Milagros has touched the lives of hundreds of people, both inside and outside the classroom.
After several years working in Ecuador at prestigious international institutions and nonprofit organizations, she arrived in the United States in 2017, driven by a strong desire to teach and share the richness of her culture.
When she arrived in North Carolina, she had only three days of training before taking charge of her first classroom. Milagros raced against the clock to adapt quickly, learn her way around a new educational system, and overcome the inevitable culture shock that came with it.
Today, Milagros teaches Spanish classes for native speakers, a unique space where students of various nationalities—including Mexicans, Venezuelans, Hondurans, and Salvadorans, among others—rediscover their roots through language, music, and cultural traditions. In her classes, they not only learn grammar, but they also dance to the drum, explore the different nuances of Spanish, and, above all, learn to take pride in their heritage.
Her dedication has been recognized with the Award for Excellence in Education, an honor that came as a surprise, placing her in the media spotlight. “At first I thought, ‘Really?’ Then I felt deeply grateful,” Milagros recalls with humility. From that moment on, she was interviewed by various media outlets, received congratulations from educational leaders, and was celebrated by her entire community. In addition, her students have repeatedly nominated her as “Rockstar Teacher,” a testament to the positive and lasting impact she has had on their lives.
But Milagros Ugueto’s legacy extends far beyond the classroom. Together with her husband, Keudis Sánchez, she founded the Casa de la Cultura in Charlotte, a space that began in a small room and now brings together artists, students, and families around Latin art and traditions. More than just an organization, the Casa de la Cultura is a vibrant movement centered on identity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
Milagros dreams of seeing this space grow into an even larger cultural center, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and classrooms where future generations can learn about, appreciate, and share their cultural heritage.
“I want to be remembered as someone who deeply respected her own culture and that of others, creating safe spaces where everyone could share their stories,” says Milagros Ugueto, who is already making this dream a reality thanks to her hard work and commitment to the community.
Learn more about La Casa de la Cultura at: instagram.com/lacasade_lacultura