Thank you for a successful
June 12, 2025 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
About the event:
Language of Food is the celebration of the culinary traditions that connect us all... One Table Endless Connections. This gathering will unite supporters, policymakers, and advocates of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and immigrants, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and cultural exchange. Come and partake in delicious dishes, engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen the bonds that make our commonwealth vibrant and inclusive. Together, let’s savor the rich tapestry of cultures that food brings to our lives!
Last year, we brought together policy makers, educators, and the immigrant learners themselves to share about the impact of English learning opportunities and what the state was doing to support them.
We also welcomed the auspicious appearance of Adult Education State Director of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Wyvonne Stevens-Carter in celebration of the first cohort of TESOL graduates.
One Table Endless Connections
This year's highlight:
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Amaka Ubaka anchors 7NEWS Today in New England every weekday along with 7NEWS at Noon. She joined 7NEWS as a reporter in May 2016. Amaka is Nigerian-American and her name means “beautiful” in one of the many languages spoken in Africa’s most populous country. She was named “Best News Anchor” by Boston Business Women and was one of Boston Magazine’s “100 Most Influential Bostonians.” One of her proudest moments was being chosen by the Regis College class of 2023 to be their commencement speaker. She loves using social media as a way to connect with viewers and inform them about the news of the day. Before arriving in Boston, Amaka was a reporter in Orlando, FL, Omaha, NE and Redding, CA. She is a graduate of the University of Miami. Amaka is a Florida native who has fully embraced living in New England – even the snow! When she’s not on the anchor desk, you’ll find her in the gym, hiking, watching sporting events and traveling.
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Secretary Lauren Jones brings nearly two decades of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. Prior to joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Jones served as Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy. She previously led the Massachusetts market for the non-profit Apprenti, where she worked with companies to cultivate and diversify tech talent through registered apprenticeships. She also created and led the Business Strategy Unit for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Office of Economic Development, supporting business attraction and employer engagement in the city of Boston. Prior to that, she held several roles in the Patrick-Murray Administration, including Communications Director for the Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development, Policy & Communications Director for former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, and Senior Program Manager of the Economic Development Incentive Program in the Office of Business Development.
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Nilson “Junior” Pepén is the Spanish-language broadcaster for the Boston Red Sox—but his journey to Boston began not for work, but for love. A former lawyer from the Dominican Republic, Pepén immigrated to the United States in 1997 to join his wife, Verónica. Starting from humble beginnings working in a laundromat, he carved out a path in broadcasting through determination and passion. He is the producer and co-host of Conversando De Deportes, Boston’s only Spanish-language sports show, and has also worked as a sportscaster with Univision. Pepén returned to the Red Sox broadcast team in 2019, where he brings energy, preparation, and Dominican pride to every game. Beyond the world of sports media, Pepén serves as the City of Boston’s Immigrant Business Liaison, supporting and empowering immigrant entrepreneurs across the city. He is a tireless advocate for Latino fans and communities—organizing fan trips to Cooperstown, building cultural bridges, and supporting initiatives through the Dominican Foundation for Art and Culture. His story is one of love, resilience, and unwavering belief in dreams—a legacy now carried forward by his children, including his son Enrique, a Boston City Councilor, and his daughter Lisa, a psychology graduate.
Monica B. Echavarria emigrated from Colombia in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Psychology, and a strong desire to pursue a related career in the United States. She quickly realized that improving her English would be key to achieving her professional goals. In 2020, Monica began taking ESOL English classes at Education Development Group, a partner program of English for New Bostonians. However, due to personal circumstances, she had to pause her studies. In 2024, she resumed her education with renewed determination. While attending evening ESOL English classes, Monica balanced two demanding jobs: working full-time as a bilingual paraprofessional at the Shamrock School in Woburn and part-time as a group leader at the Woburn YMCA. At the same time, she sought out career coaching services through English for New Bostonians to help her take the next step in her career. As a result of improving her English skills and the career coaching guidance she received, Monica was offered a position as a Restaurant Manager and Trainer at a Brazilian steakhouse. In this role, she draws on her academic background in Organizational Psychology, her bilingual communication skills, and her strengths in leadership, organization, and staff development.
Thank you to the following confirmed sponsors:
DESSERT SPONSOR
APPETIZER SPONSORS
HORS D'OEUVRES SPONSORS
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DONORS
Burlington English | Bon Me | Rebel Restaurants | Valerie Shulock | Big Night Big Heart Foundation | Nicole Albert | Gloria Lara | Encore Boston Harbor | Bunker Hill Community College | Joseph Adu | Leonela Gonzalez-Fogarty | Priscilla & Jabes Rojas | M&T Bank | JP Fuji Group | Lori Yarvis
Attend the event!
With just $100, you’re not only supporting immigrants on their ESOL journey—you’re also securing an evening filled with:
✅ An uplifting program hosted by Amaka Ubaka
✅ A lively seaside chat with Nilson “Junior” Pepén, the voice of the Red Sox in Spanish/City of Boston Immigrant Business Liaison and Mónica Bibiana Echavarría, a former ESOL student/Bilingual Paraprofessional
✅ Delicious stationed Hors D'oeuvres by East Meets West Catering and cash bar
✅ Excellent networking opportunities
✅ A fun trivia for gift card prizes, back by popular demand
✅ Silent Auction for hot prizes
✅ Today’s hottest hits provided live by DJ Mystique, perfect for mingling, relaxing, and dancing.
✅ And… New this year, get ready to join the fun for a guided line dance: a new dance phenomenon - Boots on the Ground!
Become a Sponsor!
We would like to invite you to sponsor our 6th Annual Language of Food event. Your sponsorship will enable us to provide immigrants with access to high-quality ESOL classes. By joining forces with us, you’ll be supporting immigrants in their journey toward success. Your contribution will create a lasting difference, and together, we can amplify our efforts, particularly during these challenging times.
Silent Auction
Congrations to those who won the following amazing prizes:
➤ An overnight stay for two at Encore Boston Harbor with Dinner for two at Rare Steakhouse
➤ A relaxing 5 night getaway to Provincetown: Beachfront 2-bedroom condo
➤ A pair of Red Sox tickets for an unforgettable game day!
➤ Four Red Sox Tickets – The Ultimate Family or Friends Game Day Experience (Aura Club Seating)
