Tahidi Pérez's Story
When Tahidi moved from Venezuela at 28 years old, she carried with her a powerful dream: to build a better life for herself and her family. Starting over in a new country was not easy, especially while learning a new language and caring for her young son. But Tahidi was determined to create the future she envisioned. She enrolled in PAVE East Texas’ ESL classes and volunteered whenever she could to practice her English. Through our Family Literacy Program, Tahidi found a learning environment that supported both her education and her role as a mother. While she attended English classes, her son was able to attend preschool right next door — allowing her to continue learning while staying close to her child. As her confidence and language skills grew, so did her belief in what was possible. Tahidi had always carried a passion for baking, rooted in cherished family recipes and the flavors of her Venezuelan heritage. When she enrolled in PAVE’s Business Entrepreneurship courses, she gained the tools, knowledge, and encouragement to transform that passion into something real. With the support of PAVE and the skills she had developed, Tahidi and her co-founder took a bold step forward. Together, they opened Lemon Yellow Latin Bites — a business built on family traditions, vibrant Venezuelan flavors, and the joy of bringing people together. Today, Tahidi is not only creating new opportunities for her own family, but also enriching the community around her. Her journey reflects the deeper impact of education: when someone is given the chance to learn, they don’t just change their own life — they expand what’s possible for everyone.