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Dreams and Shadows
An Immigrant’s Journey
A memoir by Emma Violand-Sánchez with co-author David Bearinger
Publication Date: 3/20/2025
Paperback: $20.95, 979-8-88824-646-7
Hardcover: $29.95, 979-8-88824-648-1
eBook: $7.99, 979-8-88824-647-4
Publisher: Koehler Books
Distributor: Ingram
Dr. Emma Violand-Sánchez
President Obama & Emma in her role as School Board Chair, Arlington Public Schools
Emma as a baby
Abuelita Julia with Julia, Emma and Susy as children
Emma, daughter Julia and grandchildren Victor and Diego are at the Terrace of the Kennedy Center after attending a children's concert
Emma with first husband Al Giddings at Virginia Tech ring dance
Emma speaking at a Dream Project event
Emma's parents and five sisters reunite in the family home in Cochabamba, Bolivia after 31 years of separation
Emma with her adult children, Julia and James Hainer-Violand
Wedding day with Al Giddings 1967
Emma with two of her grandchildren
Family in Bolivia 1961
Emma enjoying spending time with Jim Weber's granddaughters, Violet Joy and Piper Powell
President Obama's visit to WL High School. Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Patrick Murphy, President Obama, Emma, WL Principal Gregg Robertson
Emma with grandson, Jaimito
Arlington Public Schools - School Board photo with Northern Virginia Community College President Robert Templin, APS Superintendent Patrick Murphy
James Hainer Violand with wife Mariana Rodriguez celebrating Jaimito's birthday
At boarding school in Argentina, Emma was happy to have Ana Maria Parada as a best friend. They were both from Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Six friends, Etta Johnson, Evelyn Fernandez, Maria Isabel Hoyt, Carol Reiger, and Emma were united to share sentiments of loss of loved ones. They formed a Circle of Joy that meets weekly to share experiences and discuss inspirational books.
When Emma was 12 years old, she was sent to a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two years. The photos are from San Jose school. It was a catholic school, teachers were nuns.
Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada, Alfonso Lopez, delegate to the General Assembly celebrate Barak Obama's and Emma Violand-Sanchez election to Arlington School Board on November 4, 2008
Jim Weber and Emma were partners for 21 years. It was a loving and caring relationship; he died in April 2020.
Emma won first place out of six candidates in the Arlington County Democratic Party School Board endorsement. Walter Tejada, County Board member, supporters and family members celebrate the victory in a highly contested election in 2008.
Emma and her grandchildren Victor and Diego on the Terrace of the Kennedy Center after attending a children's concert
In recognition of Emma's selfless dedication to volunteerism, philanthropy and community in Arlington. The Arlington Community Foundation honors her with the 2018 William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award. Her 100 year old mother and daughter Julia, were present at the Award celebration.
Latino elected officials, Walter Tejada, Arlington County Board Member, Alfonso Lopez, Delagate, and Emma Violand-Sanchez, School Board member, celebrate Tim Kaine, Virginia Senator and former candidate to the Vice-Presidency, at a Latinos for Kaine event
Emma & Dreamers
Emma and sisters with mother as children