Luis Valdez, Narration:
In 1994, Dr. John Ittelson – professor at California State University and one of Experience Education’s board members – introduced the non-profit’s President to Luis Valdez. During that first meeting, William Horner’s daughter, Jennifer, also became acquainted with the acclaimed actor and director. Horner subsequently extended Mr. Valdez an invitation to act as the Spanish spokesperson/narrator for Experience Education’s video tape series, “Familias Pro Familias Pro Prevenciã.” Over the next six years, these tapes received such a warm welcome that Valdez became the obvious choice for Jennifer Horner’s video series ÉXITO EN EL NORTE. Through his gracious acceptance, Luis Valdez once again demonstrated his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Latino persons living in the United States. His professional narration furnishes Experience Education with invaluable assistance, and an integral step towards realizing Jennifer Horner’s vision of “Success in the U.S.” for millions of Hispanic immigrants.

Sandra Sanchez, Narration:
Sandra is an immigrant from Mexico and has lived in Iowa since 1991, where she worked for the Des Moines School District. In 1995, she became the director of the Immigrants Voice Project for the American Friends Service Committee. In this position she obtained accreditation by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide legal immigration advice. Sandra’s efforts towards diversity & human rights have been recognized with several awards, among them the Prism Award by Iowa Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson in 1999, and the YWCA Women of the Year award in 2002. Sandra is also a well known speaker in events sponsored by institutions of higher learning; for three years she produced and hosted the radio show “Us in América” ©, which came back on the air in October 2005. Sandra lends these bilingual speaking and advocacy skills as narrator for Experience Education’s video series ÉXITO EN EL NORTE.

Lydia Burgos, Translation:
Lydia Burgos and Burgos Translations have a long history of collaboration with Experience Education and the Horner team. She brings decades of Spanish skills to the project, and first taught Jennifer Horner the language as a High School student. Lydia began her association with ExEd in the 70’s, furnishing translation (as well as acquisition and directing) for several of the company’s video series, including “Common Sense Parenting.” Currently, Lydia works with multiple non-profit agencies and their Hispanic clients, and continues to collaborate with ExEd and SWIRLC on their latest production, ÉXITO EN EL NORTE. Finally, the talented interpreter proofread all bilingual scripts and written materials accompanying each video/DVD, and translated the ÉXITO site into its Spanish version.

Steve Horner, Video production/music:
For over a decade, Horner Music has provided the advertising, film, television, and new media industries with award-winning, original music. Recently, the company received the Platinum/Best of Show Awards from the 2005 Auroras, as well as a Gold Addy at the 10th District of the American Advertising Federation. Steve Horner, President and CEO, creates this acclaimed music as well as sound design for companies such as: Fox Sports, Intel, Toyota, the FX Network, and many others. Horner Music can be heard on The Travel Channel, Hollywood Extra, Martha Stewart Living, and numerous national and regional TV and radio ads. Steve brings this same expertise to each of ÉXITO EN EL NORTE’s videos, adding audio interest and greatly enhancing viewability.

Nick Kapanke, Video editing/production:
Nicholas Kapanke is an award-winning producer/director with more than 10 years experience across all facets of film and video production. Over his career, Nick has helped developed script-to-screen strategies for diverse clients including Northwest Airlines, General Mills and Schwann’s. He has also worked in partnership with national and cable networks such as Discovery and The History Channel, as well as produced, directed and photographed music videos for several national recording artists. Finally, he has served as producer and director on multiple feature films, as well as short independent films. As colleague and friend of Steve Horner, Nick joined ExEd and SWILRC in the production of ÉXITO EN EL NORTE. He contributed final video editing and production services, bringing the video/DVD series to its successful and creative completion.

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