LYNN – The Latina Center Maria was preparing to open its biannual International Summer Institute for Education, Business and Leadership at City Hall on Tuesday, highlighting the talents of some of its participants.
Magalie Torres-Rowe, the nonprofit’s executive director, said the institute offers English learners the opportunity to hear lectures from renowned education and business professionals and participate in professional development activities – all in Spanish.
This year the summit will take place on August 17 and 18 at the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
Torres-Rowe said more than 200 people come from across the Americas to visit the institute.
“Our mission is to empower the Latino community through education,” she said.
Two women who will attend the institute this weekend were honored for their achievements by the Latina Center Maria, Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office and the City Council during a ceremony at City Hall.
Marleni Laurente is an entrepreneur from Puno, Peru who creates alpaca fur ponchos with unique designs. With the proceeds from the sale of the ponchos, Laurente supports low-income women and the children of incarcerated women in Peru.
Dr. Alia Lorena Ibarra is an educator from Durango, Mexico who was honored as the owner of a K-12 school.
“She really wants to prepare for better service,” Torres-Rowe said.
District 3 Councilwoman Coco Alinsug welcomed the institute participants on behalf of the council, while District 2 Councilman Obed Matul translated Alinsug’s remarks into Spanish.
“When I left my homeland, the Philippines, eight years ago, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be standing here speaking and welcoming you to our great city,” Alinsug said.
He said he hoped those who came to visit the institute would feel the warmth and hospitality of the city.
Nicholson welcomed Laurente, Dr. Lorena Ibarra and their families to the city in Spanish.
Torres-Rowe said she taught English for many years at Boston College and the University of New Hampshire, but wanted to make education more accessible to those who don’t speak English.
She added that 75% of students in Lynn Public Schools, the state’s third-largest school district, are English-language learners.
“The future of this city rests on the shoulders of Latinos,” she said. “The future of the economy rests with Latinos. That’s why we need to empower Latinos through the summer institute.”
