Diane Portnoy, The Immigrant Learning Center and the staff continue to be recognized for their work and success in the adult literacy field and the community. These include:
Awards & Recognition
Diane Portnoy, The ILC Founder
- Honorary doctor of humane letters from George Mason University (2023)
- Tribute in the Congressional Record, Senator Edward Markey (2022)
- Key to the City of Malden (2017)
- Peace Award, Peace Island Institute (2017)
- Unsung Heroine award, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (2017)
- Women Making a Difference, the Zonta Club of Malden (2016)
- Alumni Hall of Fame, Malden High School (2016)
- Keepers of the American Dream, National Immigration Forum (2015)
- Community Service Award, Malden Chamber of Commerce (2012)
- Finalist, Social Entrepreneur Award, Manhattan Institute, New York (2008)
- Boston Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians Community Leadership Award (2006)
- The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who (2005-2006 Edition)
- Celebrate Literacy Award, the International Reading Association and the Greater Boston Council (2005)
- Massachusetts Literacy Champion, the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2003)
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2001)
- Nominated, Administrator of the Year (2000)
- Nominated, Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year Institute (1995)
- Served on the Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation
- Served on Malden Public Schools Strategic Planning Task Force
The Immigrant Learning Center
- Literacy Award, Library of Congress (2020)
- Community Quarterback Award, Eastern Bank (2012)
- Organization of Distinction, YMCA Malden (2012)
- Finalist, Excellence in Innovation, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (2012)
- Community Quarterback Award, Eastern Bank (2009)
- First Place Award – Community Impact Program, ILC 15th Anniversary Video, 11th Annual Alliance for Community Media – Northeast Fall Video Festival (2008)
- Best Practices Award, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the New England Literacy Resource Center (2003)
- Exemplary Evaluation Rating, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (2003)
- Nominated, Fleet Bank Small Business Leadership Award (2002)
- Community Service Provider of the Year Award, Malden Chamber of Commerce (2001)
- Valley Forge Freedom Foundation National Award (1998)
- North Shore Black Women’s Association Award (1996)
The ILC Staff
- Kathleen Klose, Instructor, Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education, Outstanding Educator Award (2019)
- Jeantilus Gedeus, Instructor, Massachusetts Literacy Champion, Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2016)
- Marcia Drew Hohn, EdD, Retired Director of Public Education, Boston Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians Community Champion Award (2011)
- Fatima C. Chibane, Retired Instructor, Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2009)
- Kathleen Klose, Instructor, Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2008)
- Kathleen Klose, Instructor, Massachusetts Literacy Champion, Massachusetts Literacy Foundation (2008)
- Marcia Drew Hohn, EdD, Retired Director of The ILC Public Education Institute, Appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Immigrant Affairs (2006)
- Kathy Smith, Retired Director of Development and The ILC Board Member, Tribute to Women Award, YWCA Malden (2005)
