Thursday, February 29, 2024 

Northern Kentucky University Student Union at 8am​

​Keynote speaker: Milena Varbanova, 2024 President-elect of Ohio TESOL and EL Supervisor of Mason City Schools


​​the English language learning foundation Annual Recognition Breakfast

Leaping Forward: Global Voices, Local Impact​

Make a Difference Award:

  • 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:

Tutor of the Year:


Students of the Year:

Community Ally of the Year:

English Language Learning Foundation, Inc.

  • 2024: Carlos Guzman Sarceño &                Theresa Cruz
  • 2023:  Dr. Kate Carlier Currie 
  • ​2022: Julie Leftwich, Esq.
  • 2021: Maribel Cortes Conde

The ELL Foundation's Recognition Breakfast is our annual fundraiser held each February. 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. 

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:

​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. Nomination Form will open in the fall. 






  • 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
  • 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
  • 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​

​Tickets and Sponsorships

Tickets can be ordered online. You may purchase a ticket at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis.  ​

  • Tickets are $50 each, table sponsorships are $450, and event sponsorships start at $1,000. Make your donation now. Purchase Ticket 
  • Check out our silent auction hosted on Give Smart: ellf2023.givesmart.com

Tickets ON SALE NOW.​