Our Team

Michel Bamani

President

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

“English efficiency opens up jobs for immigrants. And a lack of English skills can be an impediment to jobs, to obtaining proper healthcare, or to fully participating in the American economy or civic duties.”

Yongmei Chen

Treasurer

Eastern Bank

“As an immigrant, I have benefited greatly from programs like these. I have hired and managed immigrants that graduated from ENB funded programs. From personal and professional perspectives, supporting ENB makes sense to me.”

Lori Yarvis

Clerk

Archstone Law Group

“English language literacy is a cornerstone to a successful livelihood, to understanding our political system and to advancing in our education system.”

Lawrence Andrews

Bank of America

“Language proficiency is the foundational key to unlocking all other opportunities. Promoting ESOL directly addresses systemic barriers, ensuring that all residents—regardless of their country of origin—have equitable access to essential services (healthcare, legal aid), civic life, and educational resources.”

Julie Smith-Bartoloni

The Boston Foundation

“As a BPS parent, I witnessed firsthand the difficulties that parents without English skills faced in communicating with teachers, administration and the school community. Despite the many efforts at language inclusivity made in many communities, English is the primary language spoken in the U.S. and ESOL offers a pathway to education, economic independence, self-advocacy, and civic involvement.”

Aurora Castillo

Santander Bank, N.A.

“As a first-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic, I know first-hand how challenging it is to move to Massachusetts without speaking English. As a teenager, I watched my mother juggle multiple jobs, while taking night classes to learn English. Speaking English opened up a world of opportunities for her, expanding her job potential, and helping her move confidently and independently in spaces required to survive and thrive in this country.”

Diana Chiang

State Street Corporation

“Providing ESOL resources is essential to meeting the needs of the diverse community of immigrants living and working in Boston. My parents immigrated to Boston in the 1970s speaking little to no English. Thousands of miles from home and apart from family, my parents worked multiple jobs navigating cultural differences while struggling to learn a new language. Access to ESOL programs would have been life changing for my parents, and still can be for many immigrants in Boston today.”

John Galvin

Gordon Brothers

“Access to ESOL classes empowers immigrants to become active members of their communities by enabling them to seek new employment, pursue an education, become civically engaged, or launch an innovation. When we open doors for these individuals, we directly benefit our entire community.”

Vaskar Gnyawali

“Promoting ESOL in the community helps people gain confidence, independence, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. For many immigrants, learning English is the first step toward employment, education, and active participation in civic life.”

Myrna Guerrero-McCabe

Winsor School

“The ENB program helps people who are very vulnerable and in need of a compass to the path of success.”

Terry Kwan

Tai Tung Realty, Inc.

“ENB classes release the resources and talents of those for whom English is not the primary language to the benefit of our community and our economy.”

Grace Martinez

Optro

“I came to this country at a young age, and being in an ESOL class made me realize its value. As an immigrant, I’ve experienced and witnessed the lack of resources in our community to further education, businesses, life goals, and a better financial future. I would be honored to form part of ENB’s family and be able to contribute to the enrichment of our beautiful community.”