Dr. Jose Viana, a first-generation Cuban immigrant and educator, is a guest on the Cultural Connections Lab podcast. He has dedicated his career to improving educational opportunities for minority populations, particularly English learners. Dr. Viana has served as an administrator, teacher, and director of the Office of English Language Acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' backgrounds, creating safe and welcoming environments, and advocating for their needs. He also highlights the significance of cultural connections and the transformative power of education for multilingual students.