During this year’s third annual Achieving the Dream Luncheon, 116 attendees from the private sector, higher education, government and the Arts learned more about the far-reaching impact of the Carlos Rosario School.
Student talent and accomplishments shone throughout the program. This year’s emcee was Selene Lara, an ESL graduate who started studies at the University of the District of Columbia in the fall. Current career training student Isaac Monsuy, from Equatorial Guinea, sang an original song written by him outlining the importance of support to adult learners. A video presentation highlighted the accomplishments of Lely, Ruben and Ana, three students/graduates who are having an impact on their community and influencing others through their positive actions.
Allison Kokkoros, CEO of the School, affirmed the School’s commitment to the immigrant community. “We are much more than a school. We are a community of learning and a community hub where partner agencies and organizations can get together under one roof,” she said.
The program also included remarks from Carlos Rosario Board Chair Patricia Sosa; Angela Franco, President of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and from Jay Haddock, President of Capital Hotels and Suites.
Among the attendees were the Ambassador of El Salvador, Claudia Ivette Canjura de Centeno; the Director of the Office of Latino Affairs, Jackie Reyes; the Director of African Affairs, Mamadou Samba; and Sonia Gutierrez, the Carlos Rosario School founder.
More than half of the participants pledged to support students by volunteering, mentoring, employing or donating. A huge thank you to our sponsors (listed below) and attendees who committed to supporting our students!
View photos of the event here.