Waubonsee Community College Latinx Resource Manager Franklin Ortega-Palaguachi was recently recognized as one of 32 faculty and staff across the nation to join the largest 2024 Class of E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Fellows of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
EKDLG Fellows spent a week meeting with leaders from the USDA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. National Department of Education, and other agencies in the Washington, D.C. area, learning about national and regional issues, policy making, and research to strengthen relationships with Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The EKDLG Fellows Program exists to advance equity in professional development, services, and programs that can benefit students and local communities across the U.S.
“I am grateful and thankful for this opportunity to learn about all the incredible work that is being done across the country,” said Ortega-Palaguachi. “Our presence at EKDLG elevates Waubonsee’s HSI efforts nationally, and allows us to raise awareness and advocate that our students have a seat at the table for national internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and more.”
Since its establishment in 1998, EKDLG has welcomed more than 400 faculty and staff from HSIs. Waubonsee is proud to be recognized by the United States Department of Education as an HSI, joining the critical work to increase capacity to serve Latinx students holistically. Currently, more than 600 HSIs serve more than 2 million students nationally. Learn more about impact and programs by visiting waubonsee.edu/LRC.
Pictured above: Lisa Ramirez, Director of U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (left), and Robert Velasco II, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Forest Service (right), present the Education Fellow certificate to Franklin Ortega-Palaguachi, Waubonsee Latinx Resource Manager on July 11, 2024 at the USDA in Washington, D.C.
