English Language Learning Foundation, Inc.

Tutor of the Year:

Students of the Year:

• 2026: Susan Bilz
• 2025:​ Mayra Casas Jackson & Sarah Madrigal
  
• ​2024: Patricia D. Jimenez
• 2023: Leyla Peña & Jaswinder Walia
  
• 2022: Lourdes Ribera
  
• 2021: Su Casa Hispanic Center
  
• 2020: Leo Calderon
  
• 2019: Roberts Academy Welcome Center
  
• ​2018: Alfonso Cornejo, Hispanic Chamber
  
• 2017: Sisters of Charity
  
• 2016:  Dr. Gregory Stewart
  
• 2015:  Good Samaritan Free Health Center
  
• 2014: Vera Brooks
  
• 2013: Santa Maria Community Services, Inc.
  
• 2012: Mary Jo Montenegro Miller 
  
• 2011: Maria Molina
  
• ​2010: Leo Calderon

Educator of the Year:

​​the English language learning foundation Annual Recognition BreakfasT

• 2020: Sandra Ramirez Puac
  
• ​2019: Julie Nettleton
  
• 2018: Cincinnati State Writing Center
  
• 2017: Azar and Janene Nader
  
• 2015:  Julie Tolbert
  
• 2014:  Jane Portman
  
• 2013: Akram Moller
  
• 2012: Katherine Finnel
  
• 2011: Lawrence Heitkamp
  
• 2010: Richard Longshore, MD

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 

mount st. joseph University Seton Center
345 Neeb Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45233

 starts at 8 am​

FREE PARKING

​

• ​2025: Giovani Zamora Rodriguez and          Maggie Perez 
  
• 2024: Selvin Vasquez Velasquez and                    Maggie Perez
• 2023:  Milton Hernandez Gramajo and                   Wendi Karena Cantera Hernandez
• ​​​2022: Sue Subba and Alisar Darwish
  
• 2021: Aya Hijji and Gracie Perez-Vasquez
  
• ​2020: Ndieme Ngom and Paul Aulis
  
• 2019: Laurette Kameni and Helen Kidane
  
• 2018: Yordy Cabrera Garcia & Yessenia Cantero Hernandez
  
• 2017: Lizette Hernandez
  
• 2016:  Alexis Nizigiyimana & Dulce Ortiz Perez
  
• 2015:  Alma Oñate & Yohannes Amsalu
  
• 2014: Jose Arreaga & Adama Diakhate
  
• 2013: Ana Romero
  
• 2012: Indra Chanlagai & Mariana Zamora
  
• 2011: Varonica Alamilla
  
• ​2010: Saura Henry​
  

The ELL Foundation's Recognition Breakfast is our annual fundraiser. Every year, the Foundation invites donors, students, educators, and friends from the community to gather for a meal to celebrate the accomplishments of bright EL students battling adversities, caring and dedicated educators, and organizations that have made a significant difference in the community. This year's Keynote will be Mayra Casas Jackson,Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC), and Alumni Spotlight, Alejandro Villaseñor.

At every Recognition Breakfast, the Foundation honors the Students of the Year, Educator of the Year, Community Ally of the Year, and the Make a Difference Award.  Below are a few of the honorees from prior years:

• ​​2026: Hadarah Israel 
• ​2025:​ Angela Campos
  
• 2024: Dana Dahleh
• ​​​2023: Connie Reyes-Rau
  
• 2022: Jackie Rowedder
  
• ​2021: Mary Jo Montenegro Miller
  
• ​2020: Larry Feist
  
• 2019: Megan Kreaps
  
• 2018: Aaron Parker
  
• 2017:  Yasmeen Khan
  
• 2016:  Mary Ronan​​​
  
• 2015:  Alison Palassis
  
• 2014: Christine Erkine
  
• 2013: Irene Encarnacion
  
• 2012: Maria Hidalgo
  
• 2011: Dr. Miriam Steinitz-Kannan
  
• 2010: Maria Lang
  

​Award Nominations - (CLOSED)

Would you like to nominate a fantastic member of the community and recognize their efforts in the English Language Learner community? We accept nomination for Educator of the Year, Community Ally of the Year, and the Make a Difference Award.

Educator of the Year Form (click here)

Community Ally of the Year (click here)

Make a Difference Award (click here)

Nominations Due February 25, 2026 (closed)

• 2026: Samantha Searls
• 2025: Refugee Connect Community Navigators
• 2024: Carlos Guzman Sarceño & Theresa Cruz
• 2023:  Dr. Kate Carlier Currie 
  
• ​2022: Julie Leftwich, Esq.
  
• 2021: Maribel Cortes Conde

Make a Difference Award:

Community Ally of the Year: