Last weekend, supporters of the Americas Foundation recently came together to celebrate 30 years of building elite schooling programs for the children of disadvantaged communities of Tijuana, Mexico, at The LOT La Jolla.

The theme of the gala was Mexican cinema of the 1930s, and guests enjoyed a night of walking the red carpet, dancing, and festivities. For three decades, members of the foundation have united to build the Esperanza schools
in one of the poorest regions of Tijuana, la Sanchez Taboada, just 10 miles south of the U.S. border. However, these are no ordinary schools. The organization’s founder, Christine Brady, would not settle for anything less than the best for these children.

“At one point, we brought over ballet teachers from the Kirov Ballet Company in Russia,” said Brady’s daughter, Emily Kosko. “And we now have a prestigious orchestra program as well.”

Brady also collaborated with San Diego’s most prominent architect, James Hubbell, to design the school buildings as elaborate Gaud í -styled structures covered in tile mosaics. Later, she figured out how to install solar panels throughout the campuses herself, sustainably giving access to more electric-based learning tools.

Today, over 5,000 students have graduated from the Esperanza system, and many have continued to pursue their higher education, earning college degrees, some even attending graduate programs. During the gala, America’s Foundation supporters had the opportunity to meet with Esperanza alumni and learn about their journey after graduation.

For more information, visit americasfoundation.net.