About the
Dual Language Bilingual Education Committee 

Grazzia Maria Mendoza Chirinos is the Assistant Director for Multilingual Policy and Outreach for WIDA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She champions multilingual initiatives across WIDA, gathers policy insights on multilingual education from across the consortium, engages in outreach opportunities with peer organizations. She is a former contract officer representative for USAID and has been an educator for 32 years, as well as a teacher trainer and mentor. She is an author and co-editor of articles and books related to technology, social emotional learning and women empowerment and leadership. She advocates to support educators of multilingual learners locally and globally through her current role and as a speaker at conferences globally.

Learn more here: Grazzia Mendoza Chirinos | WIDA

Dr. Kristin Percy Calaff is the Director of Multilingual Education for the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 35 years of experience as a multilingual teacher, principal, district administrator, professor, and state leader. Kristin holds a Ph.D. in Multilingual and Multicultural Education and is dedicated to expanding dual, heritage, and Tribal language programs and ensuring equity for multilingual learners.