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Awards and Recognition

Diane Portnoy, The ILC and the staff continue to be recognized for their work and success in the adult literacy field and the community. These include:

Diane Portnoy, ILC President and CEO

  • Finalist, Social Entrepreneur Award, Manhattan Institute, New York (2008)
  • Boston Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians Community Leadership Award (2006)
  • “The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who” (2005-2006 Edition)
  • Celebrate Literacy Award, the International Reading Association and the Greater Boston Council (2005)
  • Massachusetts Literacy Champion, the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2003)
  • Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2001)
  • Nominated, Administrator of the Year (2000)
  • Nominated, Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year Institute (1995)
  • Served on the Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation
  • Served on Malden Public Schools Strategic Planning Task Force

The ILC

  • “Community Quarterback Award,” Eastern Bank (2009)
  • First Place Award – Community Impact Program, ILC 15th Anniversary Video, 11th Annual Alliance for Community Media – Northeast Fall Video Festival (2008)
  • Best Practices Award, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the New England Literacy Resource Center (2003)
  • Exemplary Evaluation Rating, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (2003)
  • Nominated, Fleet Bank Small Business Leadership Award (2002)
  • Community Service Provider of the Year Award, Malden Chamber of Commerce (2001)
  • Valley Forge Freedom Foundation National Award (1998)
  • North Shore Black Women’s Association Award (1996)

ILC Staff

Fatima C. Chibane, ILC Instructor, ILC Board Member

  • Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2009)

Marcia Drew Hohn, EdD, Director of Public Education

  • Appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Immigrant Affairs (2006)

Kathleen Klose, ESL Instructor

  • Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2008)
  • Massachusetts Literacy Champion, Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2008)

Karen Oakley, ESL Instructor

  • ILC Outstanding Teacher Award (2007)

Kathy Smith, Director of Development and External Relations

  • Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2005)