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
- Community Service Award, Malden Chamber of Commerce (2012)
- 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
- Organization of Distinction, YMCA Malden (2012)
- Finalist, Excellence in Innovation, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (2012)
- 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
- Boston Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians Community Champion Award (2011)
- Appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Immigrant Affairs (2006)
Kathleen Klose, Director of the Literacy Program
- Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2008)
- Massachusetts Literacy Champion, Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2008)
Karen Oakley, Director of English Language Programs
- ILC Outstanding Teacher Award (2007)
Kathy Smith, ILC Assistant Director and Director of Development
- Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2005)






