Raising a Child in Three Cultures

Xavier Chambon and Jenny Ortega read with daughter Sofia in English, French and Spanish, 2008. Photo by Nancy Pierce, Principal Exhibit Photographer.

I think that the more you understand about other cultures, the more you're open to working in community with other people. I want my daughter to be open-minded.

- Jenny Ortega

Jenny Ortega from Nicaragua and Xavier Chambon from France met and married here in Charlotte. They work hard to raise their daughter, Sofia, in a tri-cultural household. She eats Nicaraguan rice, French bread and American hot dogs. She visits with her French grandparents through the internet. She speaks Spanish to her mother, French to her father, and English at pre-school.