Emporia Spanish Speakers Announces Expansion, Now Kansas Spanish Speakers

A name change and expansion have transformed Emporia Spanish Speakers into Kansas Spanish Speakers. LeLan Dains, Founder and Executive Director, says the organization will remain headquartered in Emporia, but the mission of the organization is expanding beyond the city limits. The organization's mission is expanding to support language learning, cultural connection, and community integration across the entire state of Kansas, he says.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been about building bridges,” Dains said. “As Kansas Spanish Speakers, we can bring that same energy and commitment beyond Emporia—helping more communities connect across language and culture.”

Dains says Kansas Spanish Speakers provides Spanish language instruction, bilingual events, and cross-cultural initiatives