Roopal Saran, Executive Director of the English Empowerment Center (EEC), accepted the Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation at the June 11 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting. She gave remarks on behalf of more than 20 organizations and individuals thanking the Supervisors for this proclamation and for recognizing the invaluable contributions of immigrants to Fairfax County.
We are excited to announce a new addition to our team, Kasia Helbin-Travis, in our new Program Coordinator position! Kasia has volunteered and taught with EEC in the past and we are thrilled to have her join our staff.
English Empowerment Center Executive Director, Roopal Mehta Saran, was honored as Citizen of the Year 2023-2024 by the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Crossroads, VA. This recognition celebrates Roopal's exemplary community leadership and dedication. Congratulations!
Thirteen English Empowerment Center (EEC) learners earned the Certified Guest Service Professional credential during the latest offering of this class this spring. They completed the Guest Service Gold® training and passed the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute exam as part of our online Destination Workforce® Intensive English program and our in-person Beginning English program in Herndon. This certification recognizes their readiness to provide high-quality customer service. Congratulations!
Twelve EEC learners earned Northstar Digital Literacy badges and certificates showing their mastery of essential digital literacy skills in one or more areas: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, and Google Docs! These learners were supported by the teachers and class aides in the Destination Workforce® Intensive Beginner and Intermediate classes as well as in the Beginning English level 3 classes in Falls Church. Congratulations!
Congratulations to EEC lead teacher Troy Morgan for obtaining his TESOL Certificate from NOVA Workforce!
Melissa Rea (Faculty Support Manager) and 13 EEC teachers and class aides completed the Community Resilience Initiative’s Course 1 (Trauma-Informed) and Course 2 (Trauma-Supportive) on how to address the often-hidden effects of trauma and chronic stress.
Melissa and Nada Raja (Academic Operations and Digital Learning Manager) are participating in a professional learning community on adult learning needs. Hosted by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), this national group of adult education instructors and program administrators is meeting from May to November 2024.
Roopal and Xavier Muñoz (Senior Director of Academic Programs and Student Services) took part in a national forum of the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans (EARN) project. They joined 30 state and program leaders from around the country to discuss trends and challenges in serving adult English learners using an immigrant integration approach.
EEC staff are presenting at the national ProLiteracy Conference in Baltimore this fall. Our presentation topics include mental health and trauma-sensitive practices, nonprofit management, resources for teaching English learners with emerging literacy, multilingual approaches, digital inclusion, and student advising.
As we reflect on all that we are proud of in FY2024, we are reminded of the recognition of EEC instructor, Cassandra Kramer’s exceptional work as she received the Joan E.D. Kushnir Teacher of the Year award from the Virginia Association for Adult and Continuing Education (VAACE).