MESA: Creating Space, Celebrating Culture

At Lincolnwood Elementary, 13 students gathered regularly last year to do something powerful: share stories, songs, crafts, and foods from their family cultures—and discover just how much pride and connection could grow from seeing themselves reflected in their school.

Thanks to a Foundation 65 grant, first grade teacher Ami Shah-Travis brought MESA (Middle Eastern & South Asian Affinity) to life once again. For four years, MESA has provided an identity-affirming space for students of Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds, celebrating the beauty and richness of their heritage in a way that is rarely centered in school communities.

A Monthly Celebration of Culture

MESA met throughout the school year, each session led by a different family. From Korean games to Indian crafts to Filipino snacks, each gathering featured joyful, hands-on learning rooted in student and family experiences. The year ended with a school-wide potluck, where families brought food and stayed to talk and build community.

Students loved it. Parents looked forward to it. And every session deepened the sense of pride and belonging for children who are often overlooked in the broader conversation about race and identity.

“Kids are always asking, ‘When are we meeting again for MESA?’” Shah-Travis shared.

Simple Structure, Deep Impact

The MESA format is intentionally simple: snacks, stories, and shared traditions. But the effect is profound. Children see their culture valued. Parents see their identity celebrated. And families—many of whom don’t often engage in school spaces—see a welcoming invitation to participate.

“The kids got to see the investment from their parents, which was so impactful,” Shah-Travis noted. “And families keep asking if I’ll be doing it again.”

A Model Worth Expanding

With just over $1,700 in funding, Shah-Travis supported a full year of programming—including family-led workshops, crafts, snacks, read-aloud books, and a culminating celebration. The result? A growing movement. She hopes to see MESA replicated at other D65 schools, reaching even more students across the district.

“Thank you for believing in me and my vision.”
—Ami Shah-Travis

At Foundation 65, we’re proud to support programs that build belonging, family engagement, and cultural pride from the ground up.