Uniondale's Director of Multilingual Learners recognized for community impact

The Uniondale school district’s very own Director of Multilingual Learners, Estrella Olivares-Orellana, was “rightfully” honored this week by Governor Kathy Hochul for her work within the community and leading the Latina Mentoring Program for the district.

Olivares-Orellana was one of six exceptional women across the entire state that was recognized for their dedication and impactful work within the Latino community. This recognition, the school district believes, is a testament to Olivares-Orellana's significant contributions to the Latina Mentoring Program in Uniondale school’s — an initiative created through the New York State Mentoring program designed to empower Latina youth through mentorship and support.

The state’s mentoring program aims to “leverage the resources of communities, schools, and businesses to match youth with screened and trained volunteer mentors,” according to their website. Currently, there are eight programs located throughout the state “supporting dedicated adults and high-achieving high school students who are matched with students in the school-based program and youth involved in the court system,” their website continues.

Uniondale Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil praised Olivares-Orellana's commitment to Uniondale and the Latino youth who make up over 60 percent of the district’s student body.

"Estrella’s dedication to the Latina Mentoring Initiative exemplifies the profound impact that focused, heartfelt work can have on our communities,” said Darrisaw-Akil. “Her efforts have uplifted many young lives and have served as a beacon of inspiration and leadership within the Latina community. We are immensely proud of her achievements and grateful for her unwavering commitment to making a difference."

The nomination for this prestigious honor came from the Deputy Director of the New York State Mentoring Program herself, Samantha McQuibban. McQuibban highlighted the essential building blocks and support provided to the Latina Mentoring Initiative under Olivares-Orellana's guidance, commending the unique and beautiful programming developed in various cities. After a meticulous selection process, the Governor's office recognized six outstanding women, including Olivares-Orellana — who holds a Ph.d. in education — as finalists for their exceptional contributions to the latino communities they represent.

"I am delighted and truly humbled to be recognized by Governor Hochul for my contributions to the Latina Mentoring Program,” said Olivares-Orellana, expressing her gratitude. “This honor reflects not just my efforts, but it also speaks to the collective support and dedication of our community toward empowering our youth. I am grateful for the confidence and support extended to me, and I remain committed to continuing this meaningful work."

The Uniondale school district said they are very proud of Olivares-Orellana's exceptional dedication to mentorship and her influential role in fostering the growth and development of Latina youth across all of New York State. According to the district, her work within the Latina Mentoring Program has played a vital role in providing young women with the support, guidance, and opportunities needed for success, saying that she has been rightly acknowledged and praised by the state for her continued and ongoing efforts.

Governor Hochul's recognition, they believe, serves as a powerful testament to the significance of mentorship programs and the positive impact they can have on communities, resonating far beyond the boundaries of Uniondale.