Negocios Now

www.negociosnow.com 46 November 2019 Vice President of Multilingual Education & Strategic Initiatives Age: 38 Bio: Yalitza Vasquez is the Vice- President of Multilingual Education & Strategic Initiatives, Trinity Edu- cation Group. She has committed the last 16 years to work on behalf of English language students and im- migrant families. Yalitza has worked with stu- dents and families in diverse roles and settings. Most recently she ser- ved as the senior executive director for the New York City Department of Education Division of English Language Learners and Student Support, which sets policies and implements programs that have an impact on more than 150,000 English language learners. Under her leadership, the division opened more than 100 dual-language pro- grams, developed policies to sup- port unaccompanied minors that have been adopted in other states, and collaborated on developing a nationally recognized bilingual lite- racy summer enrichment program. Previously, she served as chief of staff and senior director of programs and strategic initiatives for the Offi- ce of English Language Learners. Prior to joining the New York City Department of Education central office, she was the senior director of education and programs at Learning Leaders, site director and special as- sistant to CEO of Urban Health Plan, vice president of strategic partners- hips and programs for Every Person Influences Children, and a bilingual special education teacher. She has presented at numerous national and international confe- rences on English language learners, culturally responsive literacy, dual language education, social deter- minants of health and education, immigration advocacy, unaccompa- nied minors, and family and com- munity engagement. Yalitza received a master's degree in education leadership and policy from Teachers College at Columbia University. She was selected to par- ticipate in the NYC Department of Education Chancellor Fellowship program, a leadership development program geared for senior leaders within the department. She was educated in the New York City public school system and was an English language learner in a Spanish bilin- gual program in Queens, New York. Yalitza Vasquez Being Multilingual is a Bridge, Not a Barrier WORDS OF WISDOM: "A s educators, it is imperative to embrace the languages, cultures, and the identities of our students and families while advocating for the understanding of the multi-dimensionality of Latinos".

• Cover