Carlos Rosario Educational Foundation

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Carlos rosario EduCational Foundation eMagazine| 2 |

carloS roSario School EngliSh languagE lEarnErS rEflEct on what thE School mEanS to thEm:

“carlos rosario is my most precious treasure because everything that i know i learned here and it inspired me to continue studying and be a better person, and help others.”

— Jesus, Vocabulary Class

“Carlos Rosario means “hope” for a better future for each immigrant.”

— Elieet, ESL 7 (English as a

Second Language)

“Carlos Rosario means to me many things. It is a big opportunity to learn English and have a better life in the future. My family is proud of me.”

— Roberto, ESL 6

“The way I see Carlos Rosario is not just as a school. I see it as a way of success. After two years as a student I feel it.”

— Jorge, ESL 8

www.thecrfoundation.org eMagazine | 3 |

Sonia Gutierrez, President & Founder of the Carlos

Rosario International Public Charter School, has spent 40

years as a principal, counselor, advocate, and organizer

to more than 60,000 adult immigrant students. Her

vision and leadership has changed countless lives and

she continues to inspire students, staff, and thousands

who have been impacted by her commitment and

contributions to the entire Washington, DC community.

Ms. Gutierrez, in her role as Director, was instrumental

in transforming the small, under-funded non-profit

organization Program for English Instruction to

Latin Americans (PEILA) into a comprehensive adult

education program. Today, the non-profit Carlos Rosario

International Public Charter School is a vibrant center

for learning that provides more than 2,500 students

annually with comprehensive support services and

courses like English as a Second Language, GED in

Spanish and English, technology essentials, citizenship,

career training, ESL for Families, and Spanish language.

Here are just a few of Ms. Gutierrez accomplishments

as a community organizer and leader. Ms. Gutierrez

has received recognition from the District of Columbia,

the Board of Education, national and local Latino

organizations, African-American organizations and the

Asian community. In 2011 Mayor Vincent Gray honored

Ms. Gutierrez as the “International Woman of the Year.”

The New American Alliance also recognized her in

the Spring of 2003 with the Philanthropist in Human

Capital award, commending her for her contributions

to enhancing human capital through her investment

in the education of American Latinos. In 2001 she was

one of the first four inductees to the Hall of Fame of

the National Charter Schools. In 1987, she was named

Washingtonian of the Year, among others. She was

inducted into the Washington Women’s Hall of Fame

by the DC Commission of Women. Most recently Ms.

Gutierrez received the Ana G. Mendez Excellence

in Education award in recognition of her exemplary

leadership and strong support of educational initiatives

that benefit the Latino community nationwide. Ms.

Gutierrez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business

Administration and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education

specializing in Supervision and Administration of Adult

Education Programs. Ms. Gutierrez established the

Council of Latino Agencies in 1977 and together with Jose

Gutierrez and other community leaders was instrumental

in creating the mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs.

The year 2012 marked Ms. Gutierrez’s 40th

anniversary of service to the community through her

transformative work at the Carlos Rosario School.

Presently Ms. Gutierrez is focused on ensuring the

growth and long term sustainability of the school’s

award-winning model. This Fall a new state of the

art workforce development facility will be dedicated

to Ms. Gutierrez, the Sonia Gutierrez Campus.

Sonia gutiErrEzVisionary Leader


thE JournEy


For the past 43 years, the Carlos Rosario School has

transformed the lives of thousands of immigrants by

investing in and supporting their journey to achieve

the American Dream. A highly qualified and dedicated

team provide award-winning adult education programs

with an equally matched commitment to helping each

and every student become invested, productive citizens

and members of American society who give back to

family and community. We have served over 60,000

students and annually our students represent more than

90 countries and speak over 36 different languages.


thE impact

Jose Menjivar-Leon, alumnus and naturalized

US citizen, greeted President Obama at

his job on Friday, October 29, 2010, at

Stromberg Metal Works in Beltsville, MD.

Jose explained to President Obama how he

cuts and finishes the pieces of sheet metal,

forming them into ductwork to be used in

heating and air conditioning systems.

President Obama took note of Jose’s

“I voted” sticker and later mentioned

him in his speech as an early voter and

an example we should all follow.

Daniela Moreira came to

Carlos Rosario to learn English

and is a graduate of the

Culinary Arts Program. She has

completed a highly successful

first year at the Culinary

Institute of America (CIA). She

was selected for a coveted

summer externship at a Three

Star Michelin Restaurant in

New York City. Daniela has

been able to attend the CIA

thanks to a matching two-

year scholarship from the

Culinary Institute of America

and The Carlos Rosario

Educational Foundation.

Ayele Nathalie Akouete

was named runner up in

the 17th Annual Women’s

History Month Essay Contest

sponsored by the DC Public

Library. This ESL level 6

student from Togo wrote

about the challenges she

faced and ultimately overcame

as a woman pharmacist

in her home country.

president obama meets carlos rosario alumnus!Published: Friday, October 29th, 2010

daniEla morEira

ayele nathalie akouete


Carlos Rosario serves more than 2,500 students in its program annually and tracks their progress rigorously with frequent assessments that help teachers map out the appropriate curriculum plan for each student.Thanks to the School’s programs tens of thousands of adults have obtained high school diplomas;

become U.S. Citizens; gained the English skills necessary to advocate for their children; obtained college degrees and workforce certifications; paid millions of dollars worth of taxes; and entered into careers and climbed career ladders.

Karla Quintanilla came from El

Salvador at 17 years of age and

started studying English as a

second language at the school.

After graduation in 2001 school

staff helped her secure a job

at Children’s Hospital, Karla

has been promoted four

times and is now pursuing her

bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Student article published in the Carlos Rosario School Literary-Arts Magazine about their

experiences in the classroom.

Karla Quintanilla

Adenike Adeliyi from Nigeria

designed and sewed these

traditional dresses, which went

on display during Black History

Month at the School.

adenike adeliyi

Over $14,000 were raised

toward student scholarships by

the students of Carlos Rosario

through a School Dance.


the future


In the fall of 2013 the School will open a brand new 50,000 square foot facility in northeast Washington, D.C, to expand the workforce development and language literacy programs. This campus will target the needs of high-growth industries in the District such as culinary arts, information technology, healthcare,

and customer service. On Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 the Carlos Rosario School community will host an event to celebrate the grand opening. The facility will be named the Sonia Gutierrez Campus and is the first building in Washington, DC to be named after a Puerto Rican woman.

Every day, adult immigrants live with hope for

their future and a deep seeded commitment to

work tirelessly to improve their own lives and

realize their dreams.

The Carlos Rosario Educational Foundation, in its unique

partnership with the Carlos Rosario International Public

Charter School, directly impacts the adult immigrant

population for success and leadership in the 21st Century.

Through strategic partnerships, support, and expansion

the Foundation addresses needs specific to the immigrant

population, adult education, and workforce development.

With a deep commitment to excellence, the Foundation

works to transform the lives of thousands of immigrants

and help individuals become invested productive citizens

who give back to family, community, and achieve the

American Dream.

1100 Harvard Street, NWWashington, DC 20009Phone 202-797-4700Fax 202-232-6442

www.thecrfoundation.org

Carlos Rosario Educational Foundation

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