Brianda Cediel -  Executive Director

My name is Brianda Cediel. I am the co-founder and Executive Director for Hands Across the World. We are the first contact for Refugees and Immigrants who have come with their families to make Central Minnesota their new home. Our motto is: From Hands to Hearts to Minds toward Peace. Here’s a little information about myself. I was part of the Teachers of Color Program at Saint Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. In 2001 I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in ESOL. I am currently continuing my education at Viterbo University to obtain a Masters Degree in Servant Leadership.

I was born in the United States but grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, South America. I received an Early Childhood Degree in Colombia and traveled to Mexico to continue my education in Arts with children and teaching experience.  This offered me the opportunity to live in both countries and to understand both cultures and lifestyles. My native languages are English and Spanish.

I came to St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1999 and I am widowed with three children (Felipe and twins Francisco and Camilo). I am extremely proud of my children. My oldest son attended the University of Minnesota and is currently working in Colombia at the Dunkin Donuts franchise which his father helped found. Francisco is pursuing a career in medicine and Camilo has worked in New York City since his graduation from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance. The success of my children is the same success that I wish for future generations in our country. I was a dedicated mother, active volunteer in their schools, and attended all their sport games; I am an enthusiastic collaborator in all their dreams.

On October 2003, We, my friend Sr. Tonie and I, began a program called HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD. I recognized that for many parents whose first language isn't English, it can be an extremely frustrating experience as they merely observe their children learn English but are unable to participate themselves. We developed a program using English as a second language techniques to provide a life long learning environment to educate parents and children in their first attempt at acquiring English language skills and basic living skills.  We serve families from different countries and ethnic backgrounds who have newly arrived in Central Minnesota. The program also emphasizes cultural diversity, new friendships, self sufficiency, pathways to Citizenship and most importantly a true sense of being welcome to their new home. The program started using the Bethlehem Lutheran Church facilities. In 2005 we were in the need of expanding our program and the Boys & Girls Club invited us to share their southside facility. Now, in 2010 our program continues to grow serving 165 adults and 60 children. Because of the success of our programs we now have our own school site. The St. Mary's Parish has invited us to move our programs to the Mary Center, located at 823 1st St. South, St. Cloud, MN.

Hands Across the World is a non-profit organization funded by local, state, federal contributions and private donors. Please feel free to visit our classrooms and participate in this journey. You will enjoy visiting with students from all over the world, and learn from their wonderful cultures.