When most people think about artificial intelligence, they picture high-tech startups or Silicon Valley labs—not a library filled with patrons eating tamales, listening to musical performers and hearing the buzz of Spanish and English voices. But at the Frisco Public Library, that’s exactly what is happening, and it’s helping ESL learners get acquainted with emerging technologies—specifically AI!

Thanks to a powerful partnership between Frisco Public Library Adult Services Manager Thomas Finley, AI Connex founder and CEO Dan Sinawat, technology expert Eric Rubalcaba, and community leader Alma Hernández Juarez—founder of the grassroots group Hispanohablantes—AI education is now accessible to the families who need it most.

Community First, Technology Second

This story starts with Alma Hernández Juarez, a Frisco-based ESL teacher with deep roots in the area. Originally from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Alma came to the U.S. as a child and understands firsthand the challenges of learning English in a new country. In 2020, when COVID-19 isolated families and upended education, she responded by starting Hispanohablantes, a Facebook group for Spanish-speaking families. What began with a handful of relatives has grown into a thriving community of over 5,000 members across North Texas.

“I’ve always been passionate about parent engagement,” Alma said. “It took me 11 years to get my degree, and I see myself in my students. I wanted to give families something I never had—access to resources, education, and now, technology.”

The opportunity to give back came when she connected with Dan Sinawat of AI Connex, a Frisco-based global AI consulting firm, at Frisco’s Lunar New Year celebration. Dan’s mantra—AI for All—immediately resonated with Alma, who had long been looking for ways to introduce innovation to the Hispanic community.

Together, they imagined a new kind of program: one that demystified artificial intelligence, delivered it in Spanish, and wrapped it in a family-friendly learning environment filled with music, food, and fun. Frisco Public Library was the obvious choice for Alma.

A Library That Listens—and Leads

When Alma brought the idea to Frisco Public Library, Adult Services Manager Thomas Finley didn’t hesitate. He booked the room, helped promote the event, and was there to support the entire workshop. “Frisco Library has a pulse on our community,” Alma said. “They didn’t just offer space—they gave us a platform.”

The result was a vibrant, multi-generational event focused on the theme “What Is AI?” More than 35 attendees explored tools like ChatGPT and Canva, filled out bilingual worksheets designed by Alma, and enjoyed food from a local restaurant—donated by a recruiting firm with ties to the community which included The Knowledge Jar founded by Victor Cuevas II and Talent Executives by Amy Sulgrove. A live saxophonist, Alan Barraza, donated his talent and added music to make the event feel like a celebration.

Eric Rubalcaba, an IT professional and volunteer trainer, led the class in Spanish. “A lot of communities don’t get the chance to see this kind of technology up close,” he said. “This was a way to give them that exposure—hands-on, in a safe, welcoming space.”

Learning in Every Language

The team didn’t stop there. A second event focused on practical design tools like Canva, aimed at helping community members create flyers, business cards, and digital materials for home-based businesses. For many, it was the first time they’d used design software—or even considered themselves part of the digital economy.

Future workshops will dive deeper into applications like ChatGPT, offering guided practice for families and strategies for responsible, critical use—especially with children. “AI is here to stay,” said Alma. “We need to teach parents how to guide their kids, how to use it for learning, not just answers.”

Meanwhile, Alma and her team are also offering free ESL classes over Zoom, and they’re planning future workshops on digital literacy and citizenship. “The library is where these conversations can happen,” she said. “It’s not just a place to check out books—it’s where communities learn, grow, and build futures.”

The Power of Partnership

None of this would have happened without collaboration. Alma brought deep community ties and a teacher’s insight. Eric brought tech expertise and a drive to serve. Dan brought vision, structure, and access to tools. And the Frisco Public Library made room for all of it and created a welcoming environment where everyone was welcome.

“This is how real change happens,” Dan said. “When passionate people come together to make something bigger than any one of us could do alone.”

His new nonprofit, AI Connex Outreach, is continuing the mission, supporting programs like this and expanding to more communities across Texas. “AI is 95% about understanding people and business processes and 5% technical,” Dan said. “We believe libraries—especially ones like Frisco—are key to that education.”

What’s Next?

Frisco’s ESL-AI initiative is now part of a broader study by the Urban Libraries Council, which is researching how public libraries can serve as centers for AI literacy and workforce development. For Alma, Eric, and Dan, it’s validation that they’re on the right path—but also motivation to go further.

Their shared goal? To create a future where underserved families aren’t left behind in the tech revolution—but are leading it. As Alma put it: “I’m a creative person, I have lots of ideas, but I didn’t grow up with a lot of technology. AI has leveled the playing field. AI has completed me.”