The Lingo Project began when Lina and her husband were attending a church in Columbus with a generous heart for serving others. Moved by that spirit of generosity, they visited Columbus Bilingual Academy North to explore how they could come alongside and serve the Hispanic community. During that visit, they saw both a deep need and a powerful opportunity—to use language as a bridge for connection, dignity, and hope.

What started as a simple desire to serve became the foundation of what would later grow into The Lingo Project.

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At that time, there was no name, no plan, and no clear idea of how The Lingo Project would ever become a reality—but God was already at work.

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Lina was born in Cali, Colombia, and came to the United States without knowing English.  She experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding her place in an unfamiliar country. In 2022, Lina left her full-time position in the corporate world after feeling a clear calling from God to do something for the people in Columbus, Ohio, who do not yet know Him and face barriers because they do not speak English—a call to love, serve, and walk alongside those who are often unseen and overlooked. In 2023, her daughter Melanie, also with a heart for missions, joined this vision, and The Lingo Project was born. After participating in mission trips together, they realized that the need—and God’s call—to reach the nations extended not only abroad, but also within the United States.