Dar Studio empowers Southeast Texas Hispanic youth

BEAUMONT, Texas — As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, community members are highlighting the impact of Tania Castelan, founder of the nonprofit Dar Studio, which has been providing educational opportunities for the Beaumont area and the Hispanic community since 2022.

Castelan started the studio with a mission to empower Southeast Texas youth through workshops and classes. “It is hard being first generation, you know, you are having not only to learn the language but you’re also having to learn all these important life skills,” Castelan said. “Being able to put something together and allow everyone to be part of it, it’s a great feeling.”

The nonprofit has grown quickly, with classes expanding beyond its original space. “The classes did grow, we outgrew our place and we were now able to partner up with different partners who have opened up their venues,” Castelan said. She added that “each year we collaborate with more and more business partners. We have more and more children participate.”

Dar—Spanish for “give”—has left a lasting mark on young people in the community. High school student Leimy Rocha said, “It’s already created such like a deep impact in my life.” She added, “They’re always, they always welcome you with open arms.”

Volunteers say the nonprofit reflects Castelan’s commitment to giving back. “When Tania first told me she was opening in our studio, I immediately made myself available,” said Elias Ibarra, a volunteer speaker with Dar Studio. He described Castelan as tireless, noting, “Sometimes I question how does she do all that she does. Seeing the issues that students deal with in our community is really hard, but it requires attention, and I think having people like Tania care and create these workshops is beneficial.”

For Castelan, the work is part of her life’s mission. “Being able to put something together and allow everyone to be part of it, it’s a great feeling,” she said.