Deer Park resident
and educator Priscilla Zarate has been appointed to a three-year term on the
Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board by Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly
(D-Huntington Station).
The Hispanic
Advisory Board was established by resolution in 2005 to confer on issues of
importance and relevance to the Hispanic community and to make recommendations
to the Suffolk County Legislature and Suffolk County Executive. Volunteers
serving on the 15-member board work to improve cultural understanding between
the Hispanic Community, Suffolk County Government, and Suffolk County
residents; promote Hispanic business development; and encourage civic
participation at all levels by members of the Hispanic Community.
Legislator Donnelly
selected Ms. Zarate based on her impressive background and commitment to the
Hispanic community. The NYS-licensed teacher has several professional
certifications including in administration, supervising, bi-lingual education and
Spanish instruction. Ms. Zarate is currently the Coordinator of English as a
New Language (ENL) and World Languages (K-12) for the Islip School District.
She was the
Executive Director for the New York City Department of Education where she
supervised Bilingual, ENL and Dual Language Programs citywide. Formerly, she was
Assistant Coordinator for Bi-Lingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) in
the Brentwood School District. She has made presentations at more than a dozen
conferences and had several papers published in educational journals. Ms.
Zarate coordinates the Town of Babylon Hispanic Heritage Festival, served on
the Deer Park Parent Communications Committee and has created school-based
Hispanic Recognition Programs. She received a New York State commendation as a
“Hispanic Leader” and was honored by the Town of Babylon for her contributions
to the Hispanic community.
“As an
uncompromisingly strong advocate for Hispanic residents throughout Suffolk
County, Priscilla Zarate is uniquely qualified to serve on the Suffolk County
Hispanic Advisory Board,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I know she will be an
outstanding addition to this very important Board, and I thank her for agreeing
to serve.”
“I’m humbled and
honored to represent Legislator Donnelly and the Hispanic community,” said Ms.
Zarate. “I’ve spent the last 22 years as an educator and leader building
bridges and creating an environment that fosters a respect for and appreciation
of all cultures from around the world. I eagerly look forward to continuing
this mission.”