Meet Aryani - People of MCAEL

May 2, 2022

The People at the Heart of MOCO’s English Language Learning - Meet Aryani Ong

It’s MCAEL’s 15 year anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a “People of MCAEL” series featuring first person insights and photos from some of the wonderful people involved in English language learning in Montgomery County, MD. You’ll find stories here and on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter ; please share and use our hashtag #MCAEL15. We know this coalition thrives because of committed people like you; thank you!

Today we’re introducing our second profile: Aryani Ong !


“My husband and I moved here in 1995 from the Bay Area. It was my turn to go to law school and I wanted to be near the emblems of democracy, near government and politics. I became a civil rights attorney and worked in national advocacy spaces, so I understood ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) from a policy perspective.

I also very early on in my own life had a connection to English language learning. My parents had emigrated from Indonesia, and I was going to school in southern California. Between my mother’s serviceable English—she mixed some Indonesian words in with English—and my truncated answers to a vague essay question, I was put in an ESOL class. Even at the age of 6, I felt that it was remedial, and I know many second-generation immigrants who have had a similar experience. It’s something for teachers to keep in mind as they evaluate and look at placements, though I’m sure it’s much different now.

Montgomery County is a special place; it’s home to people who are committed to diversity and inclusion, who work hard to make this a welcoming place for all residents, regardless of immigration status. This county forges public-private partnerships to improve the lives of everyone. As a board member in the early days of MCAEL, I was impressed with the mission and vision to support people to be their full selves, to help them reach their dreams.

I find community in civic life, with vibrant people from all walks of life, people from around the world. One of my volunteer roles is with a group called CUAH ( Communities United Against Hate ). I’m a founding member and I’ve also served as a grants review panelist for a CUAH youth program called Youth Creating Change, where we hear students pitch diversity and inclusion projects for grant funding. I was at one of these panels right after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburg. Hearing those students and their vision for a brighter future brought me from the depths of despair to hope.

My daughter went to a Quaker school and I like how they talk about people holding the light inside them. When my husband and I married, we both lit a unity candle. If you transpose that into community, it’s about everyone bringing their inner lights into a communal large candle. It’s the coming together that salves our wounds whenever acts of hate or bigotry threaten to tear our community.”

Learn more about MCAEL here and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest MCAEL news and stories like Aryani's. 

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.

A Letter from MCAEL's New Executive Director

By Emma Starr • May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard

MCAEL’s First-Ever Learner Celebration

By Emma Starr • May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.

MCAEL Welcomes Gerard J. P. Etienne as New Executive Director

By MCAEL • April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.