UPCOMING GALA 2024

GALA 2023

Gala 2023 Photos

Progreso Latino thanks Mr. Alfonso Acevedo of American News for our Gala 2023 Photos.

Progreso Latino's Gala 2023 Honorary Chair is Mayor Maria Rivera

Maria Rivera is the 33rd Mayor of Central Falls, Rhode Island. She is the first woman Mayor in city history and the first Latina Mayor in the State of Rhode Island. She has focused on creating more affordable housing, tackling the child lead poisoning crisis, creating a one-stop community center, and prioritizing youth and education. Prior to her swearing in as Mayor, she was the first female and first Latino Central Falls City Council President. She earned her B.A. in Public Administration from Roger Williams University and is a 1995 graduate of Central Falls High School.

Progreso Latino's Gala 2023 Keynote Speaker is Senator Jonathon Acosta

Jonathon Acosta is a Democrat representing District 16 (Central Falls, Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate and has taken action on issues such as law enforcement, education and health care. He has received recognition from the White House on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Senator Acosta was the Senate sponsor of legislation to create a new statewide body-worn camera program for police and also introduced a bill to prohibit discrimination against potential organ transplant recipients based solely on a physical or mental disability. He earned a master’s degree in urban education policy and sociology from Brown University and is working to earn a Ph.D. in sociology.

Progreso Latino's Gala 2023 will honor The Heart Tree

The Heart Tree is an emerging organization driven by passionate Latino volunteers, committed to providing crucial support and empowerment to Spanish-speaking foster, adoptive, and kinship families. In Rhode Island, Latino youth face disproportionate representation within the foster care system, and The Heart Tree aims to address this issue head-on. With a deep dedication to inclusivity, The Heart Tree actively engages and involves the Latino community, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping sustainable solutions. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the organization’s volunteers, many of whom have firsthand experience, offer much-needed support to underserved and underrepresented caregivers, ultimately minimizing disruption within foster and adoptive families.

Progreso Latino's Gala 2023 will honor Zelma Malave

Zelma Malave is a dedicated professional hailing from Mexico, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of education. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the Instituto Tecnológico of Sonora. Zelma’s journey began in 2009 when she joined Progreso Latino as an early education teacher, where she passionately nurtured young minds until 2011. Recognizing her exceptional skills and commitment, she was subsequently promoted to the role of Preschool Director. In addition to her role at Progreso Latino, Zelma serves as an early education trainer at the Education Development Center (EDC) which is a global nonprofit organization supporting the early education system in RI. Her involvement in this capacity further demonstrates her dedication to improving and advancing early education practices. Under Zelma’s outstanding leadership, the Progreso Excellence Academy at Progreso Latino has achieved a remarkable 4/5 Bright Star Rating, solidifying its status as a top-tier bilingual preschool. In line with her vision for educational excellence, she has successfully spearheaded program growth and improvement initiatives. Zelma Malave’s profound impact on the education sector, coupled with her unwavering dedication, makes her an invaluable asset to the field and a catalyst for positive change.

Progreso Latino's Gala 2023 will honor Hillary Romero

Hillary began her professional journey at the young age of 16 as a U.S. Census Bureau Youth ambassador in 2020, serving at Progreso Latino. Building on this experience, she joined the Progreso Latino Excellence Academy in 2021, where she has excelled as an Administrative Assistant. Being a first-generation college student in her family, Hillary embodies determination and a strong drive for success. In recognition of her remarkable dedication to community service, she was honored in 2022 with induction into the City of Pawtucket, RI - Pawtucket City Hall - Mayor's Office Teen Hall of Fame. Motivated by her passion for making a positive impact, Hillary is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Rhode Island College (RIC). With this educational endeavor, she aims to continue her invaluable contributions to the Latino community by serving as a compassionate and dedicated nurse.

For questions: Lorelain Barreto, Event Planner & Coordinator, (401) 728-5920 Ext.136, lbarreto@progresolatino.org