What's New > The Immigrant Learning Center

Explore our news, press releases, newsletters and blog.

Blog

Seven Famous Undocumented/DACA Immigrants

January 30, 2023

People from Latin America have contributed deeply to the United States since its founding. From activists to performers to entrepreneurs to astronauts, exceptional foreign-born Latinx Americans have played vital and often overlooked roles in the history of the U.S. The Immigrant Learning Center has created this list of famous Latinx immigrants to share a small piece of that history. After learning more about these nine people, we encourage you to continue to explore this important legacy.

eNewsletter

Liliana says that giving people a voice is a blessing

January 23, 2023

Like many immigrants, our student Liliana had to start her career over when she immigrated to the United States from Argentina. She came to The ILC hoping to strengthen her English skills and figure out what she would do next. When our "Next Steps" teacher connected her to a medical interpreter training program, she knew …

Saloua and son with her nutrition certificate

Blog

Thirty Stories from 30 Years of Giving Immigrants a Voice

December 2, 2022

The Immigrant Learning Center has helped more than 11,500 immigrant and refugee adults learn English, helping them achieve their goals as students, workers, parents and members of their communities. For our 30th Anniversary, we want to introduce you to just 30 of them. These students represent countless lives that have been positively impacted by the …

News

Senator Edward Markey read a tribute to The ILC founder Diane Portnoy into the Congressional Record

Congressional Record

November 15, 2022

In honor of The ILC's 30th anniversary, Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey read a tribute to The ILC Founder and CEO Diane Portnoy into the Congressional Record.

eNewsletter

Your support and her determination proved the American Dream is still alive

October 26, 2022

Becoming a citizen is hard for anyone, but it can pose special challenges for new Americans with disabilities. During Disability Awareness and History Month, I want to introduce you to Marilou, a Filipino American student at The ILC, who is one such new American. Marilou is hard of hearing, speaks with a speech impediment and …

Gloria Estefan holding a microphone and flowers

Blog

Nine Famous Latinx Immigrants

October 4, 2022

eNewsletter

Your support allowed Xuguang to support our democracy

September 27, 2022

When Xuguang heard that poll workers who spoke Mandarin, Cantonese and English were needed for his local primary election, he leapt at the chance to help. "In my country, the people, we no have this right. But in the United States, the people ... you can go to the vote. You have this right," said …

Blog

How Immigration Has Enriched American Holidays and Traditions

August 26, 2022

Immigrants and refugees from all over the world have brought their unique, diverse traditions to popular holidays in the United States. Some, like the Swahili names of Kwanzaa candles and the Scottish New Year’s Eve song Auld Lang Syne, have obvious international roots. Others, like mistletoe at Christmas, jack-o-lanterns at Halloween and chocolate bunnies at Easter, may surprise you with their origins. Read on to learn just some of the ways immigration has shaped our celebration of Labor Day, Halloween, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and Easter.

Mariagrazia holding an American flag after becoming a citizen

eNewsletter

Mariagrazia wants to thank you

August 23, 2022

For Italian American student Mariagrazia, her motivation for enrolling at The ILC was simple. “I need to improve my English because one day I want to talk to the people. They’re on the other side of the window. I want to open the window and talk to them," she said. Ultimately, The ILC classes offered …

eNewsletter

Isaac got his first full-time job with your support

July 26, 2022

When Isaac first came to the U.S., he struggled. Not speaking English meant he couldn't do things he took for granted in Brazil, like make friends, find a full time job or even go to the movies. Luckily, his mother is a former student at The Immigrant Learning Center. She told him that he should …

eNewsletter

With your support, single mothers like Saloua feel safer

June 28, 2022

Saloua's routine trip to her home country of Morocco became an ordeal when she found herself facing a difficult custody and immigration situation. She turned to the U.S. Embassy, but without knowing English, she couldn't get help until she found someone with the patience to translate for her. When she finally made it back to …

Blog

LGBTQ+ Immigrants: Challenges and Contributions

June 7, 2022

In the face of discrimination and misguided policies, LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees have fought for recognition and liberation. The battles they won have had positive ripple effects and not just for people in queer or in immigrant communities. The earliest fights for marriage equality were led by bi-national, same-sex couples who needed their relationships recognized …

eNewsletter

You gave Sarah the “best gift” of literacy

May 24, 2022

It can be easy to take routine tasks like understanding street signs, applying for jobs or filling out medical forms for granted. Imagine how much harder it would be to get through a day if you didn’t speak the local language and you couldn’t read or write. For new Americans who didn’t have the opportunity …

Presentation of the Crystal Award: Yo-Yo Ma

Blog

Thirteen Famous Asian and Pacific Islander Immigrants

May 13, 2022

Immigrants from Asia and Pacific Islands are a diverse collection of more than 130 ethnic groups from a geographic area that spans 16 million square miles. Their dreams and talents are as diverse as they are and, despite the challenges and discrimination they have faced, they have made extraordinary contributions to the United States. The Immigrant Learning Center has compiled just nine of their stories, including an Olympic athlete, an HIV/AIDS activist, a U.S. senator and an astronaut.

Blog

The Impact of Immigrants on Health Care in the United States

May 6, 2022

Immigrants are immense assets to the United States health care system. On the whole, foreign-born residents create a net benefit to the United States by paying more into the system than they receive in government-funded medical benefits. As workers, they fill crucial roles at every level of the health care system, from badly needed home health aides to surgeons and researchers. Their work has been particularly vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With more inclusive policies around health care access, visas and licensing, immigrants could offer even more to the U.S. health care system.

eNewsletter

Your support changed Elisangela’s life

April 28, 2022

Nearly 100 percent of The ILC's Citizenship Class students earn their citizenship. This achievement transforms their lives in amazing ways. Today, I want to share with you just a few of the ways your support has changed the life of our student Elisangela, a new American citizen. She can participate in the civic process. "I'd …

eNewsletter

Friend, Luiz has a kind message for you

March 30, 2022

Thanks to your support, Luiz and his wife Gilda were able to study English and prepare to become U.S. citizens at The Immigrant Learning Center. Luiz became a new citizen in February, and before he left The ILC, he shared some kind words for the teachers and volunteers who helped him, all of whom he …

eNewsletter

Here’s someone you should know

February 16, 2022

Ling Chai Maginn fled China after helping lead the Tiananmen Square protests at just 23 years old. Forced to start anew in the United States, she earned a degree from Princeton University, obtained an MBA from Harvard and soon launched two successful organizations. Through Jenzabar, an educational technology company, Ling has helped countless schools save …

Amani holding a certificate of citizenship outside a USCIS building

eNewsletter

Your support helped Amani’s small business take off!

January 31, 2022

When Amani moved to the United States from Libya, finding clothing that suited her family of practicing Muslims was a struggle. The young mother saw an opportunity in the challenge. Amani opened the RMR store, named for her three children's initials, and began selling inclusive clothing and accessories. Her products quickly became popular, but her …

Immigrant Essential Workers During the Pandemic report cover

Blog

Key Takeaways of the “Immigrant Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Research Report

January 18, 2022

Rates of unaccompanied minors crossing the border have been rising significantly, and so are the chances an unaccompanied minor will join your classroom. These young people have strengths, challenges and needs that are distinct from immigrant children as a whole. They are also being placed in households across the country, so it’s worthwhile to prepare to welcome an unaccompanied minor wherever you are located.

Immigrant Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic report cover

News

During the pandemic, employers asked immigrant workers in Minnesota to risk their health, safety, and status. In a new study, workers say they often got nothing in return.

Sahan Journal

January 12, 2022

Minnesota’s immigrants and refugees fill “essential” jobs in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and more. In The ILC Public Education Institute's new research report, they shared their stories about working on the front lines of the outbreak, while finding themselves excluded from many federal and state relief funds.

eNewsletter

Thanks to your support, William can see his wife again

December 16, 2021

Living in the same country as your partner is something many of us take for granted. For William, it would be a dream come true, and your support brought him closer to it. For years, William’s wife in El Salvador has been unable to join him in the United States. He came to The ILC’s …

Press Release

New Research Report Reveals Pandemic Lessons From Immigrant Essential Workers

December 13, 2021

New research titled Immigrant Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic, released by The Immigrant Learning Center Public Education Institute, offers a detailed examination of immigrants’ experiences and contributions to the country’s perseverance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ayhan holding his certificate of citizenship

eNewsletter

Ayhan says, “I am old, but the future belongs to my daughter.”

November 12, 2021

Becoming a citizen is opening up new job opportunities and freedoms for Ayhan, but that's not what matters most to him. "I am old, but the future belongs to my daughter," says Ayhan. Providing a better future for his daughter was Ayhan's primary motivation for emigrating from Turkey to the United States and enrolling at …

Blog

Supporting Unaccompanied Minors in the Classroom

November 10, 2021

An Afghan boy greets U.S. soldiers from B Flight, 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment during a dismounted patrol in Kvoshab Village near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Blog

Immigration Explainer: What can Massachusetts expect from Afghan evacuees?

October 27, 2021

August 31, 2021, marked the last day of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. The world witnessed footage from Kabul’s airport of Afghans desperate to leave the war-ravaged country now under control of the Taliban. As the occupation ended, more than 122,000 people were evacuated from Afghanistan, including more than 5,400 U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The ILC student Muna holding her citizenship certificate

eNewsletter

Your support gives freedom to immigrants like Muna

October 27, 2021

Muna knows exactly what she likes best about becoming an American citizen. "The freedom," she says. "I love this country very much." That freedom is very important for an immigrant from war-torn Syria, but the path to it was slow and difficult. When she enrolled at The ILC, Muna had to learn English as well …

eNewsletter

You changed Quang’s future

September 30, 2021

How do you become an American? If you're lucky, you might be born into citizenship. If you're not, you might need to leave your home, learn a new language and take a test, among other obstacles. Quang, an immigrant from Vietnam and The ILC student, is a new American who overcame many obstacles to become …

Rachel wearing a matching head scarf and mask

eNewsletter

You enabled Rachel to make a difference

August 24, 2021

In the early days of the pandemic, many people saw the shortage of high quality masks as a crisis. Rachel, a former The ILC student born in Tanzania, saw it as an opportunity to help others. Rachel pivoted her new clothing business to making masks, sometimes working until 2:00 AM to meet the demand. "It …

eNewsletter

Supporting Jensy’s dream of supporting others

July 19, 2021

Jensy always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Working at a nursing home brought her joy. “I love to take care of people. That’s the number one thing for me. I like to help people ... I like making them feel better. As a nurse, I would have a greater responsibility. I just love it,” she …

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center Hires First Executive Director, Prepares for Future

July 16, 2021

The Immigrant Learning Center expanded its leadership team July 1 when it welcomed Vincent Rivers as its first executive director. Founder and CEO Diane Portnoy will continue as The ILC’s CEO, concentrating on longer-term strategy for growing and strengthening the organization. Rivers will take on the responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of The ILC.

News

The Immigrant Learning Center hires first executive director, prepares for future

Observer Advocate

July 16, 2021

Malden-based The Immigrant Learning Center expanded its leadership team July 1 when it welcomed Vincent Rivers as its first executive director. Founder and CEO Diane Portnoy will continue as The ILC’s CEO, concentrating on longer-term strategy for growing and strengthening the organization. Rivers will take on the responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of The …

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center Awarded $50,000 Grant from Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation

July 9, 2021

The Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC) has received a $50,000 grant from the Malden-based Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation. This grant will help fund The Immigrant Learning Center’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs.

eNewsletter

Jair has a message for you

June 23, 2021

Jair came to the United States from Cape Verde to pursue a better education, but his lack of English skills created a major barrier for him. It took discovering The ILC to put him on a path to a better life. "The ILC helped me a lot. I learned a lot from the center ... …

eNewsletter

Olga is giving back to her community

May 20, 2021

The Immigrant Learning Center is proud of all our former students, but we're always especially happy to hear about students like Olga who pass along the help they receive. When Olga, a Haitian immigrant, first came to The ILC, she spoke very little English and struggled to find work. After just a year and a …

Blog

Best 60 Books About Immigrants and Immigration for All Ages

April 22, 2021

Books can transform, transport and inspire. Whether you’re a teacher trying to expand your classroom library, a parent looking to introduce their child to diverse perspectives or an adult who just wants a rich, interesting novel to read, you are bound to find something on this list that’s for you.

eNewsletter

Thanks to you, Fatma can see her family again

April 22, 2021

Many of us haven't seen family members in person in more than a year. Fatma, an immigrant from Libya, hasn't seen most of her children in more than seven years. Without her citizenship, she couldn't travel freely outside the country. She enrolled in The ILC's citizenship classes very motivated to learn. Fatma struggled when she …

News

Arlington resident honored as ‘Immigrant Hero’

Arlington Advocate

April 12, 2021

Niall Lennon, of Arlington, along with Massachusetts residents Abdulkader Hayani and Monique Nguyen were honored on April 6 at the Immigrant Learning Center Immigrant Heroes Award Benefit. The event paid tribute to the achievements of three honorees and to the 1.2 million immigrant essential workers in Massachusetts working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press Release

Immigrant Heroes of the COVID-19 Crisis Honored

April 7, 2021

Three Massachusetts residents were honored Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at The Immigrant Learning Center Immigrant Heroes Award Benefit. The event paid tribute to the tremendous achievements of three honorees and to the 1.2 million immigrant essential workers in Massachusetts without whom the COVID-19 pandemic would have been much worse.

Blog

Eleven Famous Women Immigrants in the United States

March 26, 2021

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the stories of eight extraordinary women immigrants. Despite the limits that are often placed on women and immigrants, these eight pioneers have made impressive contributions in fields as varied as medicine, acting, activism and physics.

eNewsletter

Andrea is a New American hero

March 13, 2021

On March 12, 2020, we sent all of our students home and suspended in-person classes. I never could have imagined that we'd still be relying on online classes one year later. Thanks to the support of people like you, our students have barely missed a day of classes. Andrea is one of our online students …

Blog

Black History Month: 10 Famous Black Immigrants

February 19, 2021

We at The Immigrant Learning Center strive to inform Americans about the economic and social contributions of immigrants in our society. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting some Black immigrants who influenced, and are still influencing, the national conversation.

eNewsletter

This new American considers you family

February 17, 2021

Could you pass the civics test to become a United States citizen? To pass, new Americans must learn the answers to 128 questions about American history and government. They also must navigate an incredibly complex system of paperwork, interviews and more. Our Citizenship Class sets our students up for success by helping them with every step of …

Blog

Trauma and Mental Health Resource

Understanding Immigrant Trauma

January 22, 2021

Blog post covering acculturation, immigrant trauma, immigrant mental health and strategies for educators to address these issues

eNewsletter

In a crisis, this new American stepped up

November 30, 2020

When new Americans become citizens, they are asked if they will perform work of “national importance.” For Luz this was more than a theoretical promise. She’s been doing work of national importance since the pandemic hit. As a cleaner in a hospital, she has put herself at risk to help others stay safe, and she …

Blog

What to Watch: 43 Films, TV Series and Documentaries Featuring Immigrants

November 27, 2020

With thousands of options to choose from, do you still find yourself thinking, “there’s nothing to watch”? Maybe it’s because there are so many options that it’s hard to find the ones worth watching. Choose wisely. Just like the old adage, “you are what you eat,” the media we consume can influence who we become and how we see the world.

Press Release

New Curriculum Introduces Students to the Refugee Experience

November 19, 2020

A new, free resource, Welcome to the New World Curriculum and Learning Guide, is now available for teachers who are looking for engaging ways to teach about timely issues like migration, refugees and the Syrian Civil War.

eNewsletter

With your support, immigrants reach their potential

October 15, 2020

It takes a special kind of courage to sign up to work in health care during a pandemic. But Renata, an immigrant from Brazil, wasn’t worried about herself when she applied for a home health aide position. “I work with elderly people,” she explained. “I worried about getting them sick.” Before she could start working …

Press Release

The ILC honored by the Library of Congress for responding to the needs of our time

September 14, 2020

The Immigrant Learning Center is the recipient of the Library of Congress 2020 Literacy Award American Prize. These awards honor organizations doing exemplary, innovative and replicable work to expand literacy and promote reading, and comes with a $50,000 donation.

News

Library of Congress Announces Winners of the 2020 Literacy Awards

Fine Books & Collections

September 11, 2020

Five organizations working to expand literacy and promote reading will be awarded the 2020 Library of Congress Literacy Awards, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today. Top prizes are being awarded to The Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC), The International Rescue Committee, Inc.: Pakistan Reading Project, the National Center for Families Learning, Pratham Books and …

Blog

Boston COVID Tutoring

August 4, 2020

Families everywhere are struggling with how to educate their children during this pandemic. The problem is even more complicated for immigrant families. Parents who are not native English speakers often find it particularly difficult to navigate U.S. school systems or help children with their homework.

eNewsletter

Your support ensures immigrants aren’t left behind

July 23, 2020

All of our lives have been interrupted by COVID-19. For the more than 600,000 immigrants with pending citizenship applications, it has meant a dream delayed. Thanks to supporters like you, dreams are coming true for students in The Immigrant Learning Center’s (ILC) citizenship classes, like Maria [pictured]. Maria, an immigrant from Cape Verde, enrolled in …

Blog

What Does it Mean to Be a Black Immigrant in the United States?

June 19, 2020

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. It’s a time for Americans who are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants to reflect on and celebrate their cultural heritages. Coincidentally, June 19th, or Juneteenth, is the day that many African-Americans mark the end of slavery in the United States.

Blog

It Takes Courage to Write From the Heart

June 5, 2020

Learning a new language as an adult is hard. It not only takes hard work, it takes courage. You have to be willing to make mistakes, a lot of them. You are going to say and write things wrong, and you have to be willing to look foolish in order to improve.

News

She fled the Holocaust as a child, and now helps others become Americans

Jewish Journal

May 20, 2020

In another time and another place, Diane Portnoy and her parents would have been called “illegals,” and the truck driver who hid them beneath a tarp as they rumbled across the border of their homeland would have been called a “coyote.” As an American immigrant, Portnoy has founded The Immigrant Learning Center, won the Ellis …

Blog

Immigrants Make Our Economy More Resilient

April 22, 2020

Immigrants are a key part of the U.S. economy in the best and worst of times. Right now, we are facing severe unemployment, stock market plunges and businesses closures due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Blog

Cultivate Kindness: Activities for Children and Teens

April 16, 2020

With schools closed and playdates canceled, many children and families are looking for ways to connect with neighbors, their community and the world at large. Moreover, the concerning rise in COVID-19-related xenophobia and anti-Asian incidents can leave children feeling worried for their family’s safety or the safety of others around them.

We support immigrant essential workers; butterfly

Blog

Drawing Support: In-Home Activities for Children

April 7, 2020

The Coronavirus outbreak can be a difficult topic to address with children. This can be especially tough in families that may be vulnerable to anti-Asian or anti-immigrant discrimination that has been falsely equated with the outbreak, or for those where parents are out working essential jobs even while school and other activities have been shut down, a reality for many immigrant families.

Blog

Three ways immigrants are fighting COVID-19

April 1, 2020

Immigrants have been a key part of maintaining the health and well being of Americans in good times and bad. Irish immigrants were key supporters of the Union Army during the American Civil War.

eNewsletter

Thanks to you, another new American aces the test

March 3, 2020

When Elena came to the United States from Colombia six years ago, she knew she wanted to become a citizen of our "accepting, free country." She came to The Immigrant Learning Center to conquer her main obstacle: the civics portion of the citizenship exam. After just a few months in Citizenship Class, studying hard when …

News

A Better Life Homecare is immigrant entrepreneur’s dream come true success story

MassLive

February 13, 2020

In December 2001, then-16-year-old Joseph Ngaruiya migrated from Nairobi, Kenya, to the eastern Massachusetts city of Lowell with his mother, Salome, to join his father, Stephen, who had arrived six months earlier. He grew up to become a successful entrepreneur, founding A Better Life Homecare and winning The ILC's Immigrant Entrepreneur Award for Business Growth.

News

Daughter of Holocaust Survivors Built Program That Has Helped Over 10,500 American Immigrants

The Boston Globe

February 12, 2020

The ILC founder and CEO, Diane Portnoy, was just three years old when she arrived at Ellis Island in 1949. As an adult with multiple degrees in education, she founded The ILC to help immigrants like her and her parents build a better life for themselves in America.

Blog

The Oscars Highlight the Contributions of Immigrants

February 6, 2020

Hollywood is one of the most iconic symbols of America and, like so much of America, it wouldn’t be what it is today without immigrants. Even in the midst of debates about diversity and representation, it is apparent that immigrants “get the job done” in filmmaking and other performing arts.

Blog

Generation Z, Diversity and Fake News

January 28, 2020

Every generation brings a fresh perspective on social and political issues, and educators have to find ways to adjust to these changes. The post-millennial generation of young Americans currently coming of age, known as Generation Z, has already cemented its reputation as politically engaged, highly educated and very diverse.

eNewsletter

Your support helped Daphne “very, very, very much”

January 19, 2020

Did you know the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the "Year of the Nurse and Midwife," in honor of Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday? Maybe I'm biased, but when I think of nursing, I think of immigrants and The ILC students. In fact, without immigrants, our nursing shortage would be a full-blown nursing crisis. In particular, Daphne comes to …

Blog

Creating Welcoming Classrooms: How Understanding the Concept of Implicit Bias Can Strengthen Your Teaching

November 26, 2019

Some researchers contend that in order to create safe and welcoming classrooms, we must dive into what they call implicit bias. But what is implicit bias, and what lessons can we learn from this concept?

Blog

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Embrace Social Responsibility

November 25, 2019

There are more ways that immigrants enrich our country than we can count. We know that immigrants are highly entrepreneurial. We can quantify how many jobs are created by immigrant entrepreneurs and how much immigrants pay in taxes.

eNewsletter

You’re helping whole families to succeed

November 15, 2019

When Manalie first joined The ILC's Next Steps program to improve her English and advance her career, she asked her teacher to move her down a level. She didn't believe she could handle the work, particularly while juggling two part time jobs at Burger King and the Cheesecake Factory. Her teacher told her to believe …

News

2019 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winners Announced Oct. 30: Immigrants Honored for Their Economic, Social and Scientific Contributions in Massachusetts

Jamaica Plain Gazette

November 8, 2019

In honor of the tremendous contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs to the commonwealth, 252 business and community leaders gathered for the eighth annual Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Benefit, including Yessy Feliz, of JP.

News

Somerville restaurant owner, immigrant recognized for entrepreneurial excellence

Wicked Local Somerville

November 6, 2019

A Guatemalan immigrant, Garcia was recently nominated by Malden’s Immigrant Learning Center for a Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in the business growth category.

Press Release

2019 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winners Announced

November 5, 2019

Blog

Entrepreneur

How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Strengthening Massachusetts’ Life Science Ecosystem

October 17, 2019

Picture a world where you could get a vaccine without being jabbed with a needle, where you could get an expert medical opinion in a few clicks instead of a few weeks and where organ transplants are no longer a race against time.

Blog

Meet the Latina Immigrant Entrepreneurs of Massachusetts

October 7, 2019

Yessy Feliz comes from a family of well-educated women with can-do attitudes, like her mother who worked two jobs while resettling her family from the Dominican Republic to Massachusetts.

eNewsletter

Climbing the ladder, with a boost from you

September 24, 2019

When Rosa says, "Thank God for The ILC," she's really giving thanks for supporters like you. Rosa and her children came to the United States in 2011 to join her husband. For seven years she struggled to succeed at low-end jobs because she couldn't speak English. She worked in places like a bakery and cleaning …

News

Cambodian-American nominated for immigrant entrepreneur award

Khmer Times

September 23, 2019

Phalla Nol, whose family is originally from Battambang province, was among 38 immigrants nominated for the 2019 Barry M Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, the Immigrant Learning Centre announced this week.

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center honors 38 nominees for the 2019 Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

September 16, 2019

The Immigrant Learning Center is honored to announce the nominees for the 2019 Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. Thirty-Eight outstanding business leaders who are Massachusetts residents from 26 countries and founded businesses in 24 local communities, from Hyannis to Springfield, are contending for these eighth, annual awards. More than a competition, in today’s environment …

diverse students sitting at a classroom table

Blog

Use Immigration Narratives to Build a Sense of Belonging in Classrooms

September 13, 2019

Strategies to promote integration, mutual respect and a shared sense of belonging for students of every age

Director of the Public Education Institute Denzil Mohammed

News

Educator Spotlight: Denzil Mohammed, Immigrant Learning Center

Re-imagining Migration

September 13, 2019

In the U.S. and across the globe, instances of anti-immigrant bias and discrimination are drastically increasing. The need to be aware and to humanize the experiences of migration is more pressing than ever. This work has led us to the The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden, MA, where we spoke with Denzil Mohammed, Director of …

News

5 Active Groups That Protect & Advocate for Immigrants

Wiki.ezvid.com

September 5, 2019

This video by Wiki.ezvid.com profiles five groups, including The Immigrant Learning Center, that assist people in different ways, from providing legal counsel to teaching English as a second language to rolling out the welcome wagon.

News

Immigrant Learning Center founder asks if we’ve already forgotten our past history

Malden Observer

July 22, 2019

Some may look at children in detention facilities at our southern border and think, “They’re not our kids.” I am a proud, naturalized U.S. citizen, and when I see the deplorable conditions we’ve put these children in, I think, “that could have been me.”

News

International Day at The Immigrant Learning Center celebrates unity and diversity

MATV's Neighborhood View

June 27, 2019

On Thursday, June 20, guests were handed a passport when entering the ILC building at 442 Main St. with a list of 22 countries from across the globe. ILC students were set up in classrooms throughout the building representing their countries and their culture with food, music, clothing, and displays.

Blog

Engage Families to Support Immigrant Students

June 26, 2019

One of the most important institutions for immigrant integration is K-12 education. Immigrants are assets to our country, and if the children of immigrants have full access to high-quality education, they can become more successful adult community members.

Press Release

Massachusetts immigrant entrepreneurs sought for honors

June 19, 2019

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. seeks outstanding immigrant entrepreneurs to be honored at the 2019 Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. Nominations are being accepted now through September 2, 2019, for outstanding immigrant business founders in four categories: business growth, neighborhood business, high-tech business and life science business. Self-nominations are encouraged.

News

Immigrant Learning Center’s Kathleen Klose honored for work in adult education

Malden Observer

June 17, 2019

Kathleen Klose of The Immigrant Learning Center was honored recently by the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education for her work in adult education.

Blog

U.S. risks no longer attracting Nobel-worthy talent

June 11, 2019

The world’s top scientists tend to be highly mobile. They frequently cross borders to study, work, collaborate and present their research. The U.S. attracts science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) scholars and students from around the world.

Press Release

Local volunteers honored for their dedication to creating a welcoming community

June 3, 2019

Under the direction of The ILC teachers, volunteers spend three hours a day, one to four days a week, helping foreign-born adults learn reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills in English, prepare to become U.S. citizens, and increase their understanding of American culture.

News

Tickets On Sale Today For Cerise Jacobs’ I AM A DREAMER WHO NO LONGER DREAMS

Broadway World

May 15, 2019

SING OUT STRONG: Immigrant Voices has partnered with the Immigrant Learning Center … Immigrant Voices is matching new or first-generation immigrant writers who live in Massachusetts with composers who are also new or first-generation immigrants, or who strongly identify with the immigrant experience. The resulting songs will be presented both throughout the community and to …

eNewsletter

You make a difference to many moms

May 7, 2019

Juan Yan came to the United States with her husband and young daughter to be closer to her in-laws nearly 10 years ago. She was a manager in a retail store in China, but since coming to this country she has concentrated on raising her children. She has three, one born in China and two …

Blog

Teach Empathy Through Storytelling

April 30, 2019

Meghan RosenbergPublic Education Institute We often hear that divisions can be bridged by listening to each other. Educators are in a unique position to empower young adults to listen and learn from each other by sharing stories. Read on for some of the best strategies and tools for fostering empathy through storytelling, particularly around the …

News

Seder celebrates contributions of immigrants

The Pilot

March 29, 2019

It took Esther Karinge 24 years to be granted asylum. She is a teacher’s aide in Medford Public Schools and board member of the Immigrant Learning Center.

eNewsletter

You help her, she helps them, we all benefit

March 21, 2019

Fatiha left Morocco to join her two adult sons in the United States nine years after her husband died. She had never worked a day in her life outside the home and had very limited education. Since 2017, she has been studying in The Immigrant Learning Center's Literacy Program. She comes to class in the …

Blog

Shots heard round the world

March 19, 2019

Diane Portnoy The ILC Founder and CEO The Battle of Lexington in 1775 sparked the American Revolution and became famous for the “shot heard round the world.” At that time, it could take months for news to travel, and yet that revolution, our revolution, had a profound impact on the rest of the world that …

News

Hospitals welcome foreign nurses, doctors to fill personnel shortage

The Daily Item

February 18, 2019

Immigrants make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, according to a June 2016 report by the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University and the Immigrant Learning Center, the latest from the organizations. Immigrants make up 28 percent of physicians and surgeons, 40 percent of medical scientists in manufacturing research and development, more …

eNewsletter

Your support leads to positive Karma

January 24, 2019

Karma grew up on a farm in rural Tibet. Like many Tibetan refugees, one by one, her family escaped to India. Karma left in 2008, roughly 20 years after her husband. It was a struggle to keep the family together. They would go as long as two years without speaking. In 2011, Karma was reunited …

News

Bennett brothers, Diane Stern, awarded grants from Patriots during recent game

Malden Observer

January 4, 2019

The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the ongoing “Celebrate Volunteerism” initiative in a halftime ceremony during the Patriots’ regular season finale versus the New York Jets on Sunday, Dec. 30 at Gillette Stadium....Also honored at the game was Diane Stern, of Malden’s Immigrant Learning Center. Stern has been an ILC volunteer …

eNewsletter

You’re family now

December 18, 2018

Ghalia came here in 2010 from Syria with her husband, who was a U.S. citizen. For the first few years, she concentrated on being a mother. Being here was difficult because she did not know English, and all her friends and family were back in Syria. She was entirely dependent on her English-speaking husband and …

Blog

“We All Want to Belong”

November 19, 2018

Fears about immigration are based in our psychological fear of “the other.” Yet when we examine the core values that we live by every day, we may find that we all have more that brings us together than sets us apart. Sara McElmurry, author of Proactive and Patient: Managing Immigration and Demographic Changes in 2 …

Blog

How the Holiday Spirit Can Open Up Conversations About Immigrants

November 19, 2018

The holidays are a time when many people reconnect with their core values through giving, sharing and uniting with friends and family. When the topic of immigration comes up, however, we are often tempted to debate the subject using facts and policy details. What values can we activate in ourselves and others to help us …

Blog

Sharing a Meal, Sharing Our Values

November 7, 2018

This holiday season, friends and family will have a lot to catch up on. When topics related to immigration come up, how will you respond? To start, resist the temptation of simply sharing facts and figures in the hope of persuading others. According to Dr. Marisa Gerstein Pineau from the FrameWorks Institute, a not-for-profit organization …

Blog

Making a Connection with One Conversation

November 7, 2018

The election is over, and Congress is split, with immigration as a key battleground. Many people are entrenched in their party of choice, but when it comes to the issues, there are proven ways to successfully open conversations. One of the ballot questions voted on in Massachusetts was a proposed measure to repeal anti-discrimination protections …

News

Why we must stand with Pittsburgh

Wicked Local Malden

November 5, 2018

The United States has long been a beacon of hope for people the world over. From the Pilgrims who came here seeking religious freedom in the 1600s to my parents who came here seeking safety after losing their entire family in the Holocaust, this country has offered people in crisis a fresh start.

Blog

As American as Baseball and Immigration

October 31, 2018

Fenway Park. Photo by Robert F. on Unsplash In Boston today, fans are out in the streets celebrating the victory of the Red Sox in the 2018 World Series. Here at The Immigrant Learning Center, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the huge impact immigration has on America’s favorite pastime. Red Sox culture is …

eNewsletter

New Americans Thank You

October 31, 2018

On November 19, 2018, The Immigrant Learning Center will once again sponsor a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens in Malden. It's always a moving experience to see a room full of people from around the world, who love this country so much, fulfill their dream of becoming Americans. At least two of them have your …

News

Hernán Díaz wins New American Voices Award for immigrant writers

Fairfax County Times

October 12, 2018

Fall for the Book created this post-publication book prize to recognize recently published works that illuminate the complexity of human experience as told by immigrants, whose work is historically underrepresented in writing and publishing. Before announcing the winner, Diane Portnoy, founder and CEO of The Immigrant Learning Center discussed the importance of immigrants to the …

eNewsletter

The Good Life

October 3, 2018

Anxhel won the visa lottery in May 2017. Without any English skills or family and friends to support him, he left Albania for the United States to pursue "the good life." At the time, he was working as a waiter without much hope of advancement. As Anxhel says, there is not a lot of economic opportunity in Albania. …

eNewsletter

You make everything better

August 17, 2018

When you ask Rachid why he left Algeria for the United States he says, "more challenge, learn different cultures and study more." Rachid certainly does love to learn. He just completed a master's degree in management when he won the visa lottery to come to the U.S. Now that he's here, Rachid wants to get a degree in information technology. …

eNewsletter

Don’t give up

July 16, 2018

It is no small irony that Diana fled gang violence in El Salvador while working with young people on violence prevention. She had been a police officer but became a social worker in order to help young people stay out of gangs. In 2016, gang members tried to extort her by threatening to kill her …

News

Students at Immigrant Learning Center, Linden STEAM Academy teach each other

Malden Observer

June 18, 2018

For the past five years, adult students from the Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) have been visiting second grade classes at the Linden STEAM Academy in Malden....

Press Release

Local residents honored for helping newcomers

June 4, 2018

MALDEN, Mass, June 4, 2018 / A group of 61 dedicated volunteers were honored by The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) on June 1, 2018. These local residents take time out of their busy schedules each week to help hundreds of immigrant and refugee adults who study English at The ILC.

eNewsletter

Another voter joins the roles

May 22, 2018

When Priscilla came to the United States in 2012, her name was Jie Kun. She arrived with her husband and two sons to join other family members already living in the United States. Not long after getting here, her father took ill and she dedicated the next few years to caring for him and her …

News

Ipswich’s Umesh Bhuju wins immigrant business award for Zumi’s

Ipswich Chronicle

May 12, 2018

Bhuju just received the Malden-based Immigrant Learning Center’s Immigrant Entrepreneur Award for a neighborhood business...“Umesh is a superstar. In small town Ipswich he knows everyone, and is universally loved. You can’t come into his wonderful shop without Umesh coming over and asking after your family, and letting you know what is going on in town,” …

Entrepreneur

Press Release

2018 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winners Announced

May 7, 2018

MALDEN, Mass, May 7, 2018 /On Thursday, May 3, 2018, 230 business and community leaders came together at the Royal Sonesta Boston to honor Massachusetts immigrant entrepreneurs at The 2018 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC).

Blog

Eastern European Women Impacting Communities

April 25, 2018

The Immigrant Learning Center would not exist if it were not for the vision of one important Eastern European immigrant: Diane Portnoy. Diane and her parents immigrated to the U.S. from Poland shortly after the end of WWII, and her experiences watching her parents struggle to learn English led Diane to open The Immigrant Learning …

Blog

Entrepreneur

Beyond the buzz: immigrant entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence

April 20, 2018

One of the hottest buzzwords in technology these days is artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes also referred to as machine learning. Forbes named 2017 “The Year of Artificial Intelligence,” BAI declared artificial intelligence it’s “2018 Trend of the Year” and the subject famously dominated this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Beyond the buzz, how is AI being …

News

Immigrant Learning Center Honors Local Food Entrepreneurs

Eater Boston

April 19, 2018

The Malden-based Immigrant Learning Center — a non-profit organization that provides free English classes to immigrants and conducts research on and promotes immigrants’ economic contributions — has recognized a number of local restaurant owners in its 2018 entrepreneur awards.

Blog

Entrepreneur

The 2018 ILC Entrepreneur Awards nominees add spice

April 13, 2018

Restaurants are the lifeblood of many communities. Not only do they feed and entertain local residents, they can bring in business from surrounding communities. When they are owned by immigrants, they can introduce Americans to new and exciting flavors. Americans are eating it up. As noted in Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Creating Jobs and Strengthening the U.S. …

Blog

Life Science Nominees Show Tenacity

April 12, 2018

The nominees in The 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Life Science Category hail from four different countries in three separate continents, but are united by their perseverance. From developing lab-grown platelets that reduce the need for stem-cell donors, to designing transformative gene therapies, each nominee has founded companies that seek to drastically improve human health. This …

eNewsletter

The “write” stuff

April 11, 2018

When Gladis came to the United States in 2002, her plan was to stay for a year earning money to help support her family back in El Salvador. She didn't know any English, but she thought of this country as the land of opportunity and was sure she could find work. Her plans to return …

Blog

Entrepreneur

Immigrant Women in Tech

April 9, 2018

It is well documented that immigrants are overrepresented in high-tech and women are underrepresented. What about immigrant women in tech? If this year’s nominees for The ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards are any indication, female immigrant entrepreneurs are making major contributions. These two women, both recipients of Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, have had …

Blog

Remembering the “Apostle of the Deaf” this Deaf History Month

April 2, 2018

Compared to names like Helen Keller or actress Marlee Matlin, Laurent Clerc may not be the first person that springs to mind when you think of prominent Deaf figures in American culture. This National Deaf History Month we want to shine a light on the immense contributions of this immigrant often cited as the most …

Entrepreneur

News

Souza nominated for Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

Sentinel & Enterprise

March 28, 2018

When he opened his first restaurant nearly eight years ago, Rodrigo Souza didn't even have enough money to fill his cash register....The hard work and success Souza has had was enough to select the Brazilian native as one of 40 Massachusetts business owners nominated for a 2018 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award from the Immigrant Learning Center, …

News

A Nepali in Massachusetts Nominated for 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

TechLekh

March 28, 2018

Umesh Bhuju, a Nepali who has been operating Zummi’s Espresso on Market St., Ipswich, Massachusetts has been nominated for the 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards in the business growth category, reports GateHouse News.

Entrepreneur

Press Release

Forty outstanding community members nominated for The 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

March 27, 2018

MALDEN, Mass, March 26, 2018 / Forty Massachusetts residents from 24 countries who founded businesses in 18 Massachusetts communities, from Hyannis to Springfield, have been nominated for The 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. They are outstanding business leaders who are making their mark in four business categories: growth, neighborhood, high-tech and life science.

News

Beverly businessman nominated for Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

Beverly Citizen

March 27, 2018

Forty Massachusetts residents from 24 countries who founded businesses in 18 Massachusetts communities, from Hyannis to Springfield, have been nominated for The 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. They are outstanding business leaders who are making their mark in four business categories: growth, neighborhood, high-tech and life science. Among those nominated for the award in the high-tech …

News

Two Cape Cod business owners nominated for 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

Cape & Plymouth Business

March 27, 2018

News

Zumi’s owner nominated for immigration business award

Wicked Local North of Boston

March 26, 2018

Umesh Bhuju, who owns Zumi’s Espresso on Market St., and is originally from Nepal, joins thirty-nine other immigrant business owners from 24 countries and, now, from 18 communities from throughout the commonwealth in earning a nomination for The 2018 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

eNewsletter

An education that pays

March 23, 2018

When Mouna was a child in Morocco, she thought she would grow up to be a wife and mother, and that was enough for her. That was her parents' vision, and they saw no need to give her a formal education. As an adult, Mouna was married but, as many immigrant families do, they lived …

Press Release

Free performances highlight the immigrant experience at Malden Public Library, March 29 and 30, 2018

March 14, 2018

There will be two free performances by students in The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) Theater Class at the Malden Public Library in the Maccario Room. On Thursday, March 29 at 1:30 p.m., they will perform Arriving, and on Friday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m., they will perform Lost in Translation.

eNewsletter

Your support gave this love story a happy ending.

February 19, 2018

Valentine's Day reminds us that love can come when you least expect it. That's what happened to Aderli. She was teaching kindergarten in Brazil and trying to save money to finish her biology degree when a friend convinced her to come to the U.S. She thought she could work for a few years and save enough …

eNewsletter

Inspiration to keep us going

February 8, 2018

Are you ready for some good news? It seems the news is all bad, divisive and demoralizing, especially when it comes to immigration. That's why The ILC hosts an annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner to remind us all how truly inspiring immigrants are. If you believe that immigrants are assets, if you believe we should …

Blog

From Statistics to Storytelling

February 6, 2018

The data on immigration and our economy is impressive. Although immigrants only make up 13 percent of the population, they constitute 17 percent of our labor force, and their share of contributions to America’s GDP is 16 percent. Are these facts enough to change minds? The research says no. In our latest webinar on February …

Press Release

Local entrepreneurs from afar sought for honors.

January 17, 2018

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) seeks outstanding immigrant entrepreneurs to be honored at the seventh annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Royal Sonesta Boston in Cambridge, Mass.

Blog

Entrepreneur

Most Valuable Players

January 15, 2018

Dries Buytaert, founder of Acquia and winner of The 2015 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Award. Eighty-five percent of the highest-valued, venture-backed companies in Massachusetts have an immigrant founder. Coincidence? We think not. A 2016 study by the National Foundation for American Policy found immigrant founders at more than half of the America’s startup companies valued …

eNewsletter

Thanks to you, the future looks brighter

December 19, 2017

Claudia came to the United States from Honduras with her parents, younger sister and brother in 2014. Her parents made the difficult decision to leave everything they knew behind in search of a brighter future for their children, but a lack of English skills created a significant barrier. Claudia and her siblings attended an American …

Blog

On the field and in the board room, let’s keep saying yes to the best.

November 29, 2017

Boston Celtics’ Center Al Horford from Dominican Republic and Washington Wizards’ Center Marcin Gortat from Poland. Photo by Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA via Wikimedia Commons. When the Boston Celtics want to find the best basketball players, they don’t just look in Boston, or Massachusetts or even the United States. That’s why, according …

Diane Portnoy Key to City 50th Anniversary

News

‘She’s a phenomenon’: ILC’s Diane Portnoy honored with key to the city

Wicked Local North of Boston

November 1, 2017

Portnoy is the co-founder of the Immigrant Learning Center (ILC), a school in Malden whose mission is to “give immigrants a voice.” The ILC provides free English classes to immigrant and refugee adults, educates the publicabout the positive impact immigrants have on the country and the economy, and documents that impact through research.

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. celebrates 25 years of giving immigrants a voice.

October 30, 2017

On Saturday, October 28, 2017, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) and 224 guests from as far away as Washington, DC, celebrated its 25th anniversary in style… In recognition of all the ways the community benefits from its work, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson presented The Immigrant Learning Center Founder and CEO Diane Portnoy with the …

Blog

Building bridges instead of walls

October 26, 2017

On Oct. 16, 2017, the Central Square Theater in Cambridge, MA, hosted a reading of the play Building the Wall, by Pulitzer- and Tony-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan. The play presents a dystopian future in which fear of the other is allowed to overrule human rights and even basic human decency. The audience was left with a …

Blog

Framing Against Fear

October 16, 2017

Suggestions from the FrameWorks Institute’s Marisa Gerstein Pineau, PhD, during the webinar Immigration, Safety and Security. According to the Pew Research Center, for voters who supported the President in the 2016 election, the biggest issues facing the country were not jobs or the economy but illegal immigration and terrorism. These two issues are often …

eNewsletter

A short-term sacrifice leads to long-term success

October 14, 2017

Quynh-Anh came to the United States in 2007 to be united with her fiance and get married. She knew no English. She's an outgoing person, so she learned what she could by watching TV, going to a night class two days a week and trying to talk to people. After two years, Quynh-Anh made it …

News

Malden celebrates new U.S. citizens

Malden Observer

October 4, 2017

The city of Malden recently gathered for a “Celebrating Citizenship” event in the Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High School to welcome and witness the swearing-in of 321 new citizens from 72 countries.

eNewsletter

The confidence to succeed

September 16, 2017

Marie owned a small food store in Haiti. While she was a successful businesswoman, it made her a target for robberies. Concerns for her personal safety made it hard to enjoy her success. In 2011, she decided to start over and join her sister in Massachusetts. Marie did not know any English and relied heavily …

eNewsletter

Sacrificing for a better future

August 19, 2017

Even though our immigration system currently favors family unification, separation from loved ones is a very common part of the immigrant experience. Every time I speak with a student and they casually mention the years they spend apart from spouses, parents and children, I am reminded of the tremendous sacrifice they make to be here. …

News

In a Malden classroom, a lesson on immigration

The Boston Globe

August 5, 2017

They have boundless faith in this country — even though this country is now led by people who have little faith in them. For the students trying to master English in this classroom at The Immigrant Learning Center,America’s promise is real. They work night jobs as cleaners, cooks, and servers. Each day, they come here to work …

Blog

Twenty-five years, 25 countries

August 3, 2017

Students and staff at The Immigrant Learning Center really are a global community right here in Malden, MA. Since the founding 25 years ago, the school has served students from 118 countries. In honor of the 25th anniversary, here is a list of the top 25 countries of origin for The ILC students. 1. …

eNewsletter

A father’s sacrifice pays off

June 20, 2017

Andre recently stopped by The ILC to help a friend register for class and tell us what he's been up to since he left us in 2012. In honor of the recent Father's Day holiday, I'm sharing his story with you. Prior to coming here, Andre had been successful in Haiti working as an Emergency …

News

Biomedical innovation depends on immigrants’ contributions

STAT

June 2, 2017

I am an immigrant who, like many of my immigrant colleagues, feels proud to be contributing to my new country by working hard and creating new jobs for others. Yet our stories — indeed our very existence — make some people in government uncomfortable.

Blog

Tips for teachers to change the immigration conversation

May 31, 2017

Denzil Mohammed of The ILC Public Education Institute presents “Immigrants: Stats & Strategies to Change the Conversation” at the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education’s NETWORK 2017 Conference. Adult educators looking to retake the immigration narrative got proven strategies from The ILC Public Education Institute’s Denzil Mohammed. At the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education’s NETWORK …

News

Malden volunteers honored for language assistance

Malden Observer

May 26, 2017

A group of 58 volunteers were honored by the Immigrant Learning Center on May 19. These local residents take time each week to help the hundreds of immigrant and refugee adults who study English at the ILC. By learning to communicate in English, the students can contribute to the economic, civic and cultural life in …

2017-ILC-Immigrant-Entrepreneur-Award-Winners-e1494365551222

News

Immigrant Learning Center holds awards dinner in Cambridge

Cambridge Chronicle & TAB

May 26, 2017

The Immigrant Learning Center held the 2017 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner on May 4 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge to honor the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs. The 35 nominees for the sixth annual awards came from 21 countries and started businesses in 24 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Collectively, they have generated income …

Press Release

Local residents honored for helping new community members succeed

May 18, 2017

A group of 58 dedicated volunteers were honored by The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) on May 19, 2017. These local residents take time out of their busy schedules each week to help hundreds of immigrant and refugee adults who study English at The ILC. By learning to communicate in English, the students can fully …

eNewsletter

Starting over, with a little help from our friends

May 17, 2017

Carmen moved to the United States in 2016 with her husband and three children. She was the last member of her extended family to leave El Salvador. Her mother moved to the States 24 years ago, followed by her brothers. Of course, Carmen wanted to come sooner, but it took 24 years for her to …

News

2 Cape immigrant business owners nominated for award

Cape Cod Times

May 16, 2017

Two Cape Cod business owners were nominees in the sixth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, held May 4 by the Malden-based Immigrant Learning Center at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.

Denzil Mohammed + Harley Silva + Diane Portnoy

News

Immigrant-owned businesses strengthen Barnstable economy

The Barnstable Patriot

May 11, 2017

For the first time in its history, the Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. recognized two Cape business owners during its annual Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award Dinner and ceremony, which was held May 4 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge

Press Release

2017 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winners Announced

May 8, 2017

Massachusetts business and community leaders came together on Thursday, May 4, 2017, to honor the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs at The Immigrant Learning Center’s 2017 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.

Blog

Immigrant entrepreneurs creating jobs

April 25, 2017

Immigrant entrepreneurs are job creators and innovators. The five nominees for The 2017 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards in the Business Growth category increased their number of full-time-equivalent employees by 40 to 388 percent over the past three years. Vijay Nalamada Avco Consulting, Worcester from India Vijay Nalamada is the CEO and founder of Avco Consulting, …

Blog

Immigrant Entrepreneurs on the Cape

April 19, 2017

Immigrant entrepreneurs are making their mark across Massachusetts, and Cape Cod is no exception. As this year’s nominees for show, the Cape is benefiting from the entrepreneurial spark of its immigrant residents. Jitka Borowick Cleangreen, Inc., Barnstable from Czech Republic Category: Neighborhood Business Jitka Borowick came to the U.S. in 2003 from the Czech Republic …

eNewsletter

Love is a universal language, but you need English to succeed in this country

April 17, 2017

Ronaldo moved to the United States for love. He met his wife, an American who teaches at Tufts, when she brought her dance troupe to Haiti for a month. Ronaldo worked as a policeman by day. At night, he was a security guard at the hotel where she was staying. Although his English was as …

Blog

Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Cambridge

April 4, 2017

Cambridge is a hub of innovation not just for Massachusetts but for the country as a whole. From world-renowned Universities to industry powerhouses to cutting-edge start-ups, Cambridge wouldn't be Cambridge without immigrants. The 2017 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards nominees from Cambridge are outstanding examples. Ahmed Albaiti Medullan Inc., Cambridge from Tanzania Category: High-Tech Business …

Press Release

Thirty-Six outstanding community members nominated for The 2017 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

March 27, 2017

MALDEN, Mass, March 27, 2017 / On May 4, 2017, at The Immigrant Learning Center’s sixth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, 36 Massachusetts residents from 23 countries who founded businesses in 19 Massachusetts communities will be honored by more than 250 business and community leaders.

News

Five Indian business owners nominated for The 2017 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

India New England News

March 27, 2017

Five Indian-american business owners have been nominated for the 2017 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards this year. The winners will be announced on May 4, 2017, at The Immigrant Learning Center’s sixth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

eNewsletter

You provide the first step toward success

March 13, 2017

Ronald came to the United States with his three children ages seven through nine in 2015. He started studying at The ILC a few months later. Although he had studied some English in Haiti, pronunciation was very difficult, and he was motivated to improve his English. He explained, "When you come here, you don't speak …

Blog

High-Tech Business nominees for The 2017 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

February 27, 2017

Immigrants are a critical part of the innovation economy. The first three nominations for this year’s ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards in High-Tech Business are living proof. Lingping Gao NetBrain, Burlington from China As a network engineer, Lingping Gao spent years managing enterprise networks and was frustrated by the tedious, manual nature of the work and …

News

Once an immigrant, now she helps others

Boston Globe

February 24, 2017

Meeting Diane Portnoy, who speaks perfect English, you’d never guess how closely her life resembles the experience faced by the immigrants she helps today.

Blog

Twenty-Five Entrepreneurs

February 24, 2017

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Hall of Fame was launched in on January 25, 2012, to bring to light the importance of immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States. This year, The Immigrant Learning Center celebrates our 25th anniversary. In honor of our 25 years and the contributions of these entrepreneurs, we present the top 25 immigrant entrepreneurs …

Blog

Neighborhood nominees for The 2017 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

February 21, 2017

The first three nominations for this year's ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards are in, and they are fine examples of how immigrants are enhancing our neighborhoods. Yessy Feliz Tails, Inc., Jamaica Plain from Dominican Republic Yessy Feliz opened a very small storefront business for boarding dogs in October 2012. Less than five years later, her business …

eNewsletter

See the American Dream come to life

February 13, 2017

"That was the best event The ILC has ever had." I heard that many times and saw it reflected in the smiling faces of our guests at last year's Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. I think this is such an inspiring event because it brings together people from all over the globe to celebrate the achievement of …

Blog

Twenty-Five Years, 25 Memories

February 13, 2017

From ILC Founder and CEO, Diane Portnoy: The Immigrant Learning Center was born 25 years ago. They say it takes a village to raise a child. It certainly has taken a whole community of supporters to make The ILC a success. Here are some of my most poignant memories from the last 25 years of …

Blog

Twenty-five years, 25 cities

February 2, 2017

The Immigrant Learning Center is located in Malden but draws students from 88 Greater Boston communities and one in Rhode Island. In fact, since the founding 25 years ago, less than half of the immigrants and refugees who learned English with us have come from Malden. In honor of the 25th anniversary, here is a …

News

Immigrant entrepreneurs: They get the job done

Boston Business Journal

December 2, 2016

Statistics show immigrants are twice as likely to create jobs as native-born Americans by starting their own businesses. Typical immigrant-founded businesses range from family-owned corner shops or day-care services to some of the area’s largest and most innovative biotech and technology firms

Blog

New citizens sworn-in at ILC-sponsored event.

October 19, 2016

We now have 148 new citizens in Massachusetts. They were sworn-in at Malden High School on Tuesday, a day none of them will forget. Diane Portnoy shared her own journey from refugee to U.S. citizen to founder of The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) with the hopeful crowd. She also thanked them, as she does every …

Blog

Police and community advocates come together to share integration strategies

October 13, 2016

We’re here to provide a safe and secure community for immigrants. We’re here, and we need them to collaborate with us. Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea, MA, Police Department Denzil Mohammed moderates a panel featuring, clockwise from top center: Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea, MA, Police Department; Caitlin Gokey, Vera Institute of Justice; Zahra Billoo, Council …

Blog

One brave immigrant demonstrates the innovation that immigration makes possible.

October 5, 2016

The American Heart Association, Verily Life Sciences and AstraZeneca announced the winner of the $75 million One Brave Idea Research Award on Wednesday. The winner, Dr. Calum MacRae, is a Scottish immigrant and chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His vision for uncovering the causes of heart disease and the potential …

Blog

Mass. teachers connect to immigration past and present at The ILC

September 6, 2016

Brazilian immigrants Brunna and Mike Peroni of Peroni’s Jewelry in Malden share their stories with teachers as part of an immigrant business story tour during the workshop. Immigrants have been vital contributors to Boston’s history and continue to enhance the community economically and socially. The diversity they add to Boston and the U.S. is reflected …

Blog

Mass. teachers to learn best practices for diverse classrooms at The ILC

August 3, 2016

More than a quarter million children in Massachusetts are immigrants or have immigrant parents. What will their classroom experiences be this coming academic year? Boston Public School’s History and Social Studies Department is conducting a free, two-day workshop on current immigration to the Boston area for K-12 teachers in Massachusetts titled New Bostonians: The Latest …

Blog

Leaders in education share strategies and lesson plans to empower immigrant students

July 20, 2016

A student from the film "Living Undocumented" shares her story as part of the module Empowering Immigrant Students and Dreamers. Immigrant students are assets to classrooms, immigrant parents are very much interested in their children’s education, and schools need to actively engage with immigrants instead of only providing them with information. These are some of …

Blog

New report details immigrants’ vital contributions to U.S. health care

June 20, 2016

I think the health care system in Boston would collapse without immigrants. Jerry Rubin, Director, Jewish Vocational Services of Greater Boston Immigrants are vital contributors to U.S. health care, particularly in the fields of medicine and medical science, long-term care and nursing. Immigrants in Health Care: Keeping Americans Healthy Through Care and Innovation is a …

Blog

Taking integration to the heartland

June 15, 2016

Attendees at the Replicable Integration Strategies from Faith Organizations session Denzil Mohammed, director of The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) Public Education Institute, traveled to the heartland of America to bring the latest immigration data and best immigrant integration practices to the 15th annual Cambio de Colores conference on June 10 in Columbia, MO. Leya …

News

Malden resident recognized for literacy education efforts

Wicked Local Malden

May 27, 2016

Mass Literacy, a nonprofit organization supporting literacy education in Massachusetts, selected Malden resident and ILC teacher Jeantilus Gedeus as a winner of the 2016 Mass Literacy Champions Award. The program publicly recognizes and rewards Massachusetts-based educators who have shown exceptional commitment and results through their work in literacy education.

Blog

Five awarded ILC Entrepreneurs of the Year

May 5, 2016

I accept this award with gratitude and respect for many who fought and sacrificed their lives for me so I can rise. Thank you. Herby Duverné, 2016 Business Growth winner Front row from left: Diane Portnoy, ILC Founder and CEO; Hilda Torres; Gerardo Loza; and Denzil Mohammed, ILC Public Education Institute Director. Back row from left: …

Denzil Mohammed + Gerardo Loza + Diane Portnoy + Hilda Torres

News

My Little Best Friends earns Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

Malden Observer

May 2, 2016

The founders of My Little Best Friends Early Learning Center in Malden were named Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year by The Immigrant Learning Center (TILC). Gerardo Loza and Hilda Torres were honored Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash and U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker during TILC’s awards dinner April 28 at the Royal …

Press Release

2016 Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced

May 2, 2016

Business and community leaders joined Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash and U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in honoring the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs at The Immigrant Learning Center’s 2016 Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.

News

How immigration fuels the life sciences in the Bay State

Boston Business Journal

April 5, 2016

Amid a push by the leading Republican candidates for president to “tighten the borders,” the Malden-based Immigrant Learning Center plans to underscore the role immigrants play in the Massachusetts economy this month when it holds its fifth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The April 28 event in Cambridge will honor 42 immigrants from …

News

Spotlight on Immigrant Life Science Company Leaders in Massachusetts

BioSpace

April 5, 2016

It’s pretty well known that in Massachusetts the biotech industry is one of the strongest areas of the state’s economy. What is not always known, is just how much of that economic growth is driven by immigrants.

News

Malden HS Hall of Fame 2016

Malden Patch

April 3, 2016

This year’s Malden High School Hall of Fame honorees include a female Air Force general, a professional musician, an international banker, a life-long educator, the founder of an English language school for immigrants, a construction tycoon who twice became governor, and a former butter and egg store clerk who now gives back.

Press Release

Forty-Two outstanding Massachusetts entrepreneurs nominated for The 2016 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

March 22, 2016

March 21, 2016 / On April 28, 2016, at The Immigrant Learning Center’s fifth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, more than 250 business and community leaders will come together to honor 42 immigrants from 26 countries who founded businesses in 18 Massachusetts communities. These nominees represent outstanding business leaders from across the commonwealth …

Blog

Health care and integration experts give insight on new report

February 9, 2016

Clockwise from top left: Denzil Mohammed, Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, José Ramón Fernández-Peña, MD, Kira Khazatsky (not pictured) and Joyce Sackey, MD. Compiling available research and profiles of 11 immigrants representing the full scope of the U.S. health care industry, the upcoming report Immigrants in Health Care: Keeping Americans Healthy through Care and Innovation interweaves …

News

Nominations open for immigrant entrepreneur of the year

Malden Observer

January 25, 2016

The fifth annual Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Dinner will be held April 28 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge. The event is presented by The Immigrant Learning Center of Malden, with master of ceremonies Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash.

Blog

Institute for Immigration Research presents at National Immigrant Integration Conference

January 14, 2016

Attendees interact before the first plenary session on December 13, 2015. More than 1,300 policymakers, community organizers, academics and others in the immigrant-serving field attended the 2015 National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC) from December 13 to 15, 2015, in New York City. This NIIC was the largest to date, and it engaged attendees from across the country in thought-provoking …

Blog

New report reveals what enables immigrant professionals’ success

January 14, 2016

Clockwise from top left Sunny Schwartz, Alejandra St. Guillen, Eva Millona, Dr. James Witte, Paul Feltman, Sylvia Rusin, Stacey K. Simon, Denzil Mohammed, Celina Barrios-Millner and Jeff Gross. Supportive social networks as well as English language skills are crucial factors in the economic prosperity of college-educated immigrants. These were some of the takeaways from the Boston launch of …

News

Should Massachusetts welcome Syrian refugees?

The Boston Globe

December 23, 2015

The Immigrant Learning Center’s Founder and CEO Diane Portnoy explains why Massachusetts should welcome Syrian refugees in this essay: As Americans, we cannot let terrorists succeed in altering our way of life or steering us away from the values that make our country exceptional.

Blog

Malden’s immigrant entrepreneurs tell their stories

October 26, 2015

"I love being a business owner in Malden. It's a great community and a great place to do business." Shane Smyth, owner of Hugh O’Neill’s Restaurant & Pub Local immigrant entrepreneur Raghbir Singh Grover in his business, Edson Fashions. Photography credit to Marilyn Humphries. Sixty attendees from across the commonwealth came to Malden for a …

Blog

National experts share lessons in community cohesion and immigrant integration

October 22, 2015

"There was a lot of helpful information and perspectives there that will inform our work going forward. There need to be more and more conversations like this one." Clockwise from top left, Rhonda Ortiz moderates a panel discussion with Vanessa Carter, Amaha Kassa, Denzil Mohammed and Christine Sauvé. Tensions between immigrant and …

Blog

Hero to the Voiceless

October 19, 2015

Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, and Diane Portnoy. Diane Portnoy was recognized for her decades of dedication to giving immigrants a voice at the 2015 Keepers of the Dream Awards in Washington, DC, on October 14, 2015. Keepers of the American Dream are identified by the National Immigration Forum as …

Press Release

Three Leaders to be Honored at Keepers of the American Dream Awards Gala

October 15, 2015

Tonight the National Immigration Forum will honor three prominent leaders in technology, education, and immigrant advocacy for their work promoting the value of immigrants and immigration to our society.

News

Malden hosts immigrant business Story Tour through downtown

Malden Observer

October 13, 2015

On Aug. 27, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, along with the Immigrant Learning Center and Mayor Gary Christenson’s office, organized and hosted a dynamic walking tour of 16 immigrant-owned businesses in Malden Square allowing participants from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to see how immigrant entrepreneurship is revitalizing the city and stimulating the local …

News

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Revitalizing Malden: A Story Tour

Planning 101

September 2, 2015

On August 27, 2015, MAPC provided the public with an opportunity to directly experience the benefits of immigration in the City of Malden. Along with the City’s department of Strategy and Business Development and The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC), MAPC organized and hosted a dynamic walking tour of immigrant owned businesses in the downtown area…

Press Release

Free Performance of Jean’s Family: Lessons, Dreams & Magical Stories

August 17, 2015

This performance describes the journey of immigrating to the United States from a child’s perspective and includes folk tales from several countries. It was first performed on Friday, August 14, 2015, for children in the vacation camp program at BASEC in Belmont, Mass. The upcoming performances are open to the public and appropriate for both …

2015 Immigrant Entrepreneur Winners + Charlie Baker

Press Release

Massachusetts Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced

May 11, 2015

Nearly 250 business and community leaders joined Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in honoring the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs at The Immigrant Learning Center’s 2015 Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA.

Blog

Five awarded 2015 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year

May 11, 2015

Diane Portnoy, ILC Founder and CEO, stands with 2015 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year speakers and winners. From left are Dr. J. Keith Motley, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Boston; Denzil Mohammed, Director, The ILC Public Education Institute; Life Science winner Laxman Desai; Diane Portnoy; High-Tech winner Dries Buytaert; Business Growth winners Thomas and Helene …

Blog

New online workshop offers faith perspectives

March 3, 2015

The ILC Public Education Institute Program Specialist Denzil Mohammed (bottom right) joins panel discussion with, clockwise from top left, moderator Westy Egmont, Vanessa Carter, Matthew Soerens, Leah Bergen and Patricia Maloof. Faith organizations have long been at the forefront of integrating immigrants and refugees as well as working with the receiving communities to welcome new …

News

International Day celebrated at ILC

Malden Observer

December 18, 2014

Imagine traveling the world while never leaving Malden — that’s one way to describe International Day at the Immigrant Learning Center. Hosted at the ILC’s Main Street headquarters on Nov. 6, the event offered immigrants learning English a chance to share their language, food, music and culture with friends, family and ILC staff.

Blog

Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts at the Cambridge Forum

October 17, 2014

Diane Portnoy (right) moderates panel including (left to right) Alex Nowrasteh, William Ross and Deborah D. Moore. On October, 8, 2014, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. produced a panel discussion with the Cambridge Forum entitled Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts after its book by the same name. The discussion used America's immigration history to bring perspective to today's …

News

Malden’s ILC Theater puts on a show

September 6, 2014

Malden’s Immigrant Learning Center Theater class recently hosted a performance event. The class is a unique learning experience for English for speakers of other languages in which conversational English is mixed with personal storytelling and sharing of participant’s experiences. This allows people to share their stories about coming to America, improves their English proficiency, and …

Press Release

Free Performance of Different Cultures, Same World

August 11, 2014

This funny and touching performance is inspired by the personal experiences of students in the Immigrant Theater Group illustrated with stories and songs. The Immigrant Theater Group is comprised of students of The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) who reside in Malden and surrounding communities.

Blog

First Immigrant Heritage Month celebrated in Massachusetts

June 26, 2014

Felix G. Arroyo, Chief of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston, address the audience at the Immigrant Heritage Month celebration at the Boston Public Library on Saturday, June 21, 2014. America owes its economic strength and cultural richness to the diversity of its origins. On Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the …

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. supports the first annual Immigrant Heritage Month

June 16, 2014

Today, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) of Malden, Mass. announced its support of the first Immigrant Heritage Month, which was declared by Governor Deval Patrick in June 2014. Immigrant Heritage Month is a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the not-for-profit Welcome.us in partnership with corporations, media outlets, organizations, celebrities, and faith, civic and political leaders …

News

Malden non-profit supports Immigrant Heritage Month

Malden Observer

June 16, 2014

Blog

Seven winners honored at The 2014 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

June 4, 2014

Diane Portnoy, ILC founder and CEO, left, and Marcia Drew Hohn, director of The ILC Public Education Institute, stand with The 2014 ILC Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year Rosa Tejeda, Nisaury Tejeda, Fitzroy Alexander, Josef von Rickenbach, Victoria Amador and Dr. Fauzia Khan. At right is master of ceremonies Richard A. Davey, Jr., secretary and …

Press Release

Massachusetts Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced

May 9, 2014

More than 200 people came together last night to celebrate the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Massachusetts personified by 35 nominees and four award winners at The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.’s 2014 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass. The nominees in attendance each received citations from their respective legislators, …

News

Meet the Finalists of the 2014 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

BostInno

May 8, 2014

On Thursday night, Boston-area business leaders and innovators will gather for the 2014 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, a celebration of the international entrepreneurs who have had an impact on Massachusetts’ economy and society for the better. Over three dozen finalists are up for one of four categories: Neighborhood, Business Growth, Life Science Business and High-Tech Business. …

News

Hohn named Educator of the Year

The Andover Townsman

May 1, 2014

Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn of Andover was named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education at its annual NETWORK Conference last month. The award is presented to an educator who has demonstrated leadership, met significant challenges in an effective way, supported others in the field and shown selfless dedication, service …

Press Release

Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn named Outstanding Educator of the Year

April 21, 2014

Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn was named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education at its annual NETWORK Conference on April 4, 2014….Hohn has worked in the adult basic education field for more than 25 years. She currently serves as the director of the Public Education Institute at The Immigrant Learning …

Blog

Immigrant entrepreneurs discuss their impact on local economy

April 11, 2014

Business owners Julia Silverio, left, Rosemary Agbede and Maria Rosa speak during a panel discussion on "The Vital Role of Immigrant Entrepreneurs." Julia Silverio from the Dominican Republic, owner of Silverio Insurance Agency in Lawrence, MA, believes that small-group discussion is one of the mediums where "the struggles and accomplishments of immigrants can really …

News

Study: Immigrant entrepreneurs help drive cities’ revival

Sentinel & Enterprise

March 24, 2014

In other sections of the city, Lowell has a strong immigrant economy as well. Last year, the owners of six Lowell businesses were nominated with others from across the state for the Immigrant Learning Center’s Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards: Rosemary Agbede of Unique You Salon; Tom Dang of Pho Da Lat Restaurant; Calvin Duong of New …

News

District Attorney Marian Ryan leads victim and witness services awareness training for immigrant tutors

Boston.com

March 21, 2014

“It was an honor for The Immigrant Learning Center to participate in such an important project,” said Diane Portnoy, President and CEO of The Immigrant Learning Center. “Although we teach English to immigrant and refugee adults, our students often struggle with many other barriers to becoming successful workers, parents and community members. The information our …

Blog

The Immigrant Influence on the 2014 U.S. Olympic Skating Team

February 6, 2014

Immigrants strengthen all aspects of our society. This is most evident when they reach the pinnacle of their vocation. They are Nobel laureates, Fortune 500 founders and Olympiads. Even new Americans who were previously unauthorized have represented the United States and won, such as Leo Manzano who won the silver medal and set a …

News

Immigrant Entrepreneurs are Investors in their Communities

Immigration Impact

January 8, 2014

Immigrant entrepreneurs, through their business and ancillary endeavors, make civic and financial investments in their communities. The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) recently reiterated these points at an event hosted by the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians where they presented a summary of their findings from their report on immigrant entrepreneurs in growing industries.

Blog

ILC gets teachers thinking positively about immigrants

December 17, 2013

Participants share stories about immigrants in their communities during the workshop "The Changing Face of America: What Educators Need to Know About Immigration, its Impact on Schools and its Benefits to Communities" at the conference Where Integration Meets Innovation on November 9, 2013. Chiara Magini, left, and Denzil Mohammed. Denzil Mohammed and Chiara Magini of …

Blog

Immigrant Theater Class 10th Anniversary

December 9, 2013

The Immigrant Theater Class is a unique learning environment that combines traditional English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction with personal storytelling and public speaking. Each term, students write and perform original plays about their experiences as newcomers in America. The events are open to the public. For the students, the experience of performing …

Press Release

Free Performance of Nothing Is Impossible Marks 10 Years of Immigrant Theater Class

December 9, 2013

The show will tell the story of leaving home and facing the challenges of traveling to a new place using Aesop’s fables paired with folktales from the students’ native countries. The performers are studying English at The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. and come from Brazil, China, Congo, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iraq, …

News

Foreign-born business ownership grows in Rochester

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

November 2, 2013

In a report released by the Immigrant Learning Center earlier this year, 18 percent of small business owners in the U.S. are immigrants, and immigrants started 28 percent of all new U.S. businesses in 2011, while accounting for only 13 percent of the overall population.

News

Event salutes new entrepreneurs

The Boston Globe

October 20, 2013

Their enterprising efforts were saluted Tuesday during the kickoff event for the state’s third annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month, which continues through Nov. 15. Governor Deval Patrick attended the event, which was partly sponsored by the Immigrant Learning Center of Malden, and held at the regional Jewish Vocational Service center in Boston.

Blog

Third annual Mass. Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month proclaimed

October 16, 2013

The Massachusetts Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month proclamation is held up by Josiane Martinez, executive director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, right. From left are Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry, Rep. Daniel Cullinane, Gov. Deval Patrick, Rep. Tackey Chan and State Senator Eileen Donoghue. Reaffirming the vitality that foreign-born business owners bring to the economy, …

Gov Patrick Immigrant Entrepreneur proclamation 2013

Press Release

Governor Patrick to Honor Foreign Born Business Owners in Massachusetts with the Declaration of Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month

October 10, 2013

The MIRA Coalition is proud to join with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, the Office of Access and Opportunities, and The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. in celebrating Governor Deval Patrick’s upcoming declaration of Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month 2013 (October 15 to November 15).

News

Diane Portnoy Interview

KMBH

August 29, 2013

Diane Portnoy, ILC president and CEO, was interviewed on the Strong and Cooks Good Books show on KMBH in Brownsville, TX, about the release of Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts.

Press Release

Eleven Immigrants Honored for Their Selfless Contributions to Society

August 12, 2013

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) added 11 profiles of immigrants who founded U.S.-based, not-for-profit organizations to a new Social Entrepreneur section of its online Immigrant Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

News

Immigrants a vital part of the Mass. economy

The Boston Globe

August 4, 2013

Such jobs are among the most common ways for new arrivals to enter the workforce; 14.2 percent of employed recent immigrants work in the accommodations and food services sector, according The Immigrant Learning Center Inc. in Malden, a nonprofit that offers English classes to new immigrants

Blog

Educator workshop expands to 23 states in 2013

July 24, 2013

Workshop presenters from left (top row) Paul Watanabe, University of Massachusetts Boston; Usha Tummala-Narra, Boston College; Jared Sanchez, University of Southern California; Judy Shreves, Warren County Schools, Missouri; (bottom row) Phitsamay Uy, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Westy Egmont, Boston College; Amaha Kassa, African Communities Together; Lorna Rivera, University of Massachusetts Boston; and Marcia …

News

New Institute Focuses on Immigration Research

Cornerstone

May 30, 2013

What is the impact of immigrants on the U.S. economy, education system, and business community? A new institute at George Mason University, launched in April 2012, seeks to answer that question and more. A joint venture between Mason and the Immigrant Learning Center Inc. (ILC) of Massachusetts, the Institute for Immigration Research conducts unbiased research …

News

Lawrence business owner says he’s living the American dream

Lawrence Eagle Tribune

May 19, 2013

Rafael D. Guzman says he is an immigrant who has fulfilled the American dream…. On May 8, Guzman received the 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award for Business Growth from The Immigrant Learning Center Inc. Massachusetts State Treasurer Steve Grossman was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony.

News

Global entrepreneurs: Family matters

The Boston Globe

May 16, 2013

The numbers tell their own story. Immigrant entrepreneurs now make up nearly 1 out of 5 of all business owners in the Commonwealth, from shopkeepers that root and revive urban main streets to biotech startups chasing the next cancer cure

Blog

The ILC awards three for outstanding immigrant entrepreneurship

May 15, 2013

Richard A. Davey, Jr., secretary and CEO, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, left; Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn, director, The ILC Public Education Institute; Dr. Chiang Li, founder, Boston Biomedical, Inc.; Rafael Guzman, president, RM Technologies, Inc.; Mahmud Jafri, founder, Dover Rug & Home; Diane Portnoy, founder, president and CEO, The ILC; and Steven Grossman, Massachusetts Treasurer …

News

Immigrant entrepreneurs honored for their economic, social, and scientific contributions

Boston.com

May 10, 2013

Two hundred people came together last night to celebrate the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Massachusetts personified by 23 nominees and three award winners at The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.’s 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Dinner at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.

Press Release

Immigrant entrepreneurs honored for their economic, social and scientific contributions in Massachusetts

May 9, 2013

News

Immigrants meet business success

The Boston Globe

May 5, 2013

…Angel’s Painting is well established in Framingham, and Valdivia has his own crew of 12, more during the busy summers. The company is one of four local businesses in the running for special recognition by The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden.

News

Immigrants’ contributions a focus of study

The Boston Globe

April 26, 2013

The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden, which has taught English to at least 7,000 students over the last two decades, has teamed with George Mason University to launch a new research center that will focus on the contributions of immigrants as entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers.

News

Locals up for immigrant business awards

Salem News

April 24, 2013

Three North Shore business owners have been nominated for Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards from the nonprofit Immigrant Learning Center in Malden. Umesh Bhuju of Zumi’s Espresso and Ice Cream in Ipswich and Francisco Lora of Tropicana Market in Salem have been nominated in the “outstanding neighborhood business” category. Lisandra Mones of Glitterati Style in Salem and Danvers has …

Press Release

New Study Shows Significant Impact of Immigrants in Growing Industries in the U.S.

April 23, 2013

A new study entitled Immigrant Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs and Strengthening the U.S. Economy in Growing Industries released today by The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. shows that immigrants play an outsized role in growing industries relative to their presence in the general population. In so doing, they are supporting a high rate of job creation and …

News

Boom in immigration fuels state population rise

The Boston Globe

April 8, 2013

Most of Massachusetts’ recent immigrants came from Latin America and Asia, with Brazil, China, and the Dominican Republic topping the list, according to a report released last month by the Immigrant Learning Center, a nonprofit that runs classes for immigrants and does research.

News

Strong showing for Lowell in immigrant-entrepreneur contest

Lowell Sun

April 1, 2013

Twenty-six immigrants who founded businesses in Massachusetts were recently nominated for The Immigrant Learning Center’s 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. Seven are from Lowell

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. launches new book Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts

January 21, 2013

A new book from Malden-based The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. called Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts, distributed by University of Virginia Press January, 2013, and available for sale at Amazon.com, chronicles the experience of 11 immigrant groups in the U.S. Written by 11 experts in their respective fields, their stories share familiar themes of hope, setbacks, …

News

From the Bookshelves: Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts by Diane Portnoy

ImmigrationProf Blog

January 16, 2013

Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts chronicles the experience of 11 immigrant groups in the U.S. written by 11 experts in their respective fields. By showing how each of these immigrant groups have faced discrimination, struggled to assimilate and ultimately made significant contributions to American life from the country’s founding through today, the current immigration debate can be …

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. Applauds Progress on Immigration Reform

January 12, 2013

In reaction to the bipartisan framework for comprehensive immigration reform released by eight U.S. senators on January 28 and President Obama’s plan for comprehensive immigration reform announced today, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. releases the following statement from Diane Portnoy, president and CEO:

Blog

Developing a model for reaching and engaging immigrant storefront businesses

December 10, 2012

Director of The ILC Public Education Institute Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn, center-front, with participants and facilitators at a workshop on small-business advertising on October 24, 2012, at the Evangelistic Church in Lynn, MA. Photo courtesy Juan-Carlos Ferrufino This year, The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC), Inc.’s Public Education Institute joined with MassINC and the Massachusetts …

Blog

‘No surprise’ immigrants power economy, says Hohn at State House

November 20, 2012

Marcia Drew Hohn, EdD, right, speaks on "Massachusetts Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Economy" at the State House in Boston on November 15, 2012. "Immigrants have the disposition and courage to take risks," said Marcia Drew Hohn, EdD, director of The ILC Public Education Institute, at the State House on Thursday, November 15, …

Blog

ILC award nominee honored during Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month

October 31, 2012

Immigrant entrepreneurs are honored at a press conference marking Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month 2012 at the Massachusetts State House on October 19. From bottom left to right are Rev. Cheng Imm Tan of the Mayor's Office of New Bostonians, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, Eva Millona of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, Malee Thai, Josiane …

Press Release

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. celebrates 20 years of giving immigrants a voice.

October 22, 2012

The ILC began operations in 1992 with three staff members offering free English language classes to 60 immigrants and refugees. Today, with a staff of 30, it serves more than 900 immigrants and refugees a year and educates the public about the value that immigrants bring to this country.