Puerto Rican Nydia Castillo arrived in Chicago in 1986, recruited by the Department of Education (CPS). She arrived with the commitment and mission of working in the bilingual program that was just beginning its development. 
 
With two bachelor's degrees in education and a master's degree in counseling, Nydia completed a second master's degree in School Leadership and Administration at Northeastern and Northwestern universities. 
 
For 34 years she dedicated herself to the development and support of the bilingual program for inner city students. She held positions as a teacher, school counselor, bilingual coordinator, assistant school principal and director of the bilingual department at the city level in the Chicago Department of Education (CPS). 

Nydia enjoys being active in her community through volunteer work.  She has achieved this with organizations such as the defunct Puerto Rican Committee and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) among others. 
 
Known on her island in the areas of art; Nydia continues with her passion for theater in this city. An  ensemble member of the Aguijón theater company, she enjoys and is an active voice in theater with a social message. Her participation in projects with local companies like Urban Theater and Waterpeople ; and from other states like LatinUs Theater (Ohio) 
and Teatro Dallas (Texas) continues to demonstrate this. 
 
Nydia loves to travel and share her experiences through her YouTube channel Cocina Castillo- recetas con historias. 
 
Retired from her work with the Chicago Public Schools, she continues with her passion for bilingualism through theater. Long live Spanish theater! 
¡ Que viva el teatro en Español!