Organization Spotlight: Ana A. Brito Foundation, Inc.

May 7, 2019

The Ana A. Brito Foundation was born out of a sheer desire to serve and educate new immigrants. The foundation offers a plethora of services such as English classes (language program), computer programs, tutoring services, health and wellness among other things. Marta Brito Perez, Ana Brito’s daughter and the president of the foundation said about the language program that it was a “lifelong passion for mom and for Pastora Yolanda Pupo-Ortiz.” For this month’s newsletter, I spoke with Pastora Yolanda who shared with us about her journey to the United States, partnership with Ana Brito as well as how the foundation came into being:

I am a United Methodist pastor who came from Cuba to the United States in the decade of the sixties. Ana Brito, also from Cuba, and I met in 1983 and from that time on we became partners in our common desire to serve the immigrant community in the area. With the help of other church leaders, we began holding worship services in Spanish at the Bethesda United Methodist Church in Bethesda. Among our activities, we included first, Spanish classes for the children, and English classes for the adults. In order to reach out to the larger immigrant population of the county, under Ana’s leadership, the English program was offered in different locations of the county, including Epworth United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, where the program is located today and where in collaboration with the church we became the Ana A Brito Foundation. 

Today the foundation serves the diverse population who reside in Montgomery County; the majority of the learners who attend classes are from Spanish-speaking countries. In addition, the foundation also serves students from Iran, Thailand, Korea, Liberia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nigeria among other countries. The teachers and volunteers also represent a diverse group. Majority of the learners are women, many who are mothers with small children. While the parents are in class, the school-age children participate in the Children’s Enrichment Program which includes tutoring, childcare, and educational/creative activities. 

When I asked Pastora Yolanda what she would like for people to know about the Ana Brito foundation, she said: 

The most important message we want to give to our community is that we are here to serve the immigrant community. We are here to welcome and enable them to adjust to the country by learning the culture and especially the language. With an open arm, we are here and ready to receive the gifts they bring through their cultures, traditions, and skills.

When learners are able “ to understand something their neighbors said for the first time ” or comprehend what “ their children have learned ” at school then that is a marker of success for the language program, Pastora Yolanda noted. 

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.