2026
Annual ReportWho we are
Washington English Center (WEC) celebrates the unique goals of every immigrant and refugee who comes to us to learn. Whether students enroll in group classes, participate in one-to-one tutoring pairs, attend U.S. citizenship prep courses, join subject-matter clubs, or take part in workforce development offerings, we are here to see immigrants succeed.
Over the last fiscal year—from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026—WEC supported 1,792 unique newcomers in learning to read, write, listen to, and speak English with greater fluency and confidence. We did that through the dedication and talent of a record-breaking 1,011 volunteer teachers, tutors, club leaders, and career coaches from within our community.
The 2026 Annual Report shares the stories of our community through profiles... The students, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations who not only make our work possible, but who give it immense meaning and value. Please read on to see what your support has made possible.
Student to Alumna
For a newcomer like Romy, the objective was clear: "My main goal was to understand English, and improve my fluency, because I wanted to get a job in the U.S." Romy isn’t alone in that regard, with half of WEC’s students reporting that getting a job is their #1 reason for wanting to improve their English.
"Immigrant; with intermediate English," Romy lists, almost like checking off boxes. "It was more challenging for me to get a job." According to Kaiser Family Foundation, 55% of limited English proficient immigrants face workplace discrimination (including fewer job opportunities, lower pay, and less control over work hours). But, Romy was determined. Through hard work, she improved her fluency, graduated from classes at WEC, and got a job in HR management. As a recent alum, she credits WEC with her success: "The main source was practice with my tutor, with my class, with the community." She smiles with pride at what she’s accomplished.
What’s more, WEC’s data aligns with Romy’s lived experience: After graduation, 54% of WEC alumni report receiving a promotion, and those alumni are twice as likely as current students to have received a raise. For immigrants and refugees looking to find work or advance within their careers, Romy’s advice is gentle and supportive: "Be a little patient with yourself… But with practice, with community, with discipline, you can achieve your language goals!"
Dedicated Volunteers
"We just clicked, right from the beginning," Margaret says, speaking of her co-teacher of nineteen terms, Elly. She adds, "We have complete trust, and we’re both comfortable." Elly agrees: "The fact that we think alike in so many ways is surprising but delightful." A collaborative spirit is essential within WEC’s co-teaching model: Monday through Thursday, morning and evening, online and in person, volunteers like Elly and Margaret teach in teams of eight and support one another in lesson planning and execution.
For the pair, humor is key—to communicating across languages, and to building relationships with their students: "I tell them I’ve been teaching since dinosaurs roamed the Earth," Elly says with a smile. "If they can laugh in English, that says a lot." Margaret laughs with her and says, "With Elly, you learn quickly which jokes translate across cultures." Volunteers aren’t the only ones having fun: 99.7% of students report that their teachers make them feel welcome in class, and 98.4% of students report that they would recommend classes at WEC to others.
WEC volunteers like Margaret and Elly donated more than 45,000 hours of their time this year (valued at nearly $2.5M!)—attending teacher trainings, prepping class materials, and giving back to our community. That makes a difference for our students. "On the last day of class," Elly shares, "I always say, 'I wish I had taken a video of all of you the first time we met because you would see now how far you’ve come.'" After only a few minutes of speaking, you can feel Elly and Margaret’s passion, respect, and love for their students. The reason is simple, according to Margaret: "WEC is an amazing place, it’s an amazing community."
Year in Review Statistics
Community Partners
This year, WEC partnered with a record-breaking 93 organizations to support our students—including Upwardly Global, which works to dismantle employment barriers for newcomers. "Employment is a foundation for many things," shares Abel Mucyo, Upwardly Global’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement. "For health, for housing, for financial security and mobility."
Many immigrants "are working survival jobs to try to make ends meet," Abel says. "Imagine somebody that was a surgeon or a senior financial analyst—working in a warehouse. That can be tough." The partnership with Upwardly Global means that WEC students (once they reach the right level of fluency) can begin leveraging inter-organizational career resources, which make for "really natural, great transitions from WEC into Upwardly Global’s career coaching program."
This February, along with four dozen other nonprofits, Upwardly Global participated in WEC’s annual Community Resource Fair. To Abel, our partnership goes beyond English-language instruction and workforce preparation: "WEC is a bridge, a connector," he says. It’s a challenging time to be an immigrant-service provider, but the importance of serving newcomers has never been clearer. Abel agrees: "ESOL is very important, but bringing people together is really essential." We are pleased to do just that.
Board of Directors
"The gift of English," Minal says, "can catapult somebody to a different profession, to advancement in their career, to understanding the education system better so the next generation can benefit." WEC’s data agrees: 64% of alumni report improving their educational prospects following classes at WEC—with most pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
As both a refugee and a member of WEC’s Board of Directors, Minal understands the importance of WEC’s mission. She encourages friends to give to WEC by attending special events and by hosting fundraisers out of her home. Throughout it all, her focus remains on the students: "I tell friends that contributing to WEC helps to change a life. No doubt about it."
Minal sees her role on the Board as one of getting things done. When talking to friends, "I encourage them to open their eyes and really realize where we are," she says. Whether it’s volunteering to teach, handing out flyers to potential students, or making a donation to WEC, Minal’s mindset matches that of the rest of the Board when it comes to supporting newcomers: "It’s time to do something and take action."
Financials
Leadership
Included below are WEC’s staff and volunteer leaders as of the end of this fiscal year.
Staff • Yaritza Abrego, Associate Director of Programs • Balqis Azizi, Programs Associate • Phillip Carlisle, Director of Development • Nataliia Cherevko, ESOL Specialist • Jessie Ebersole, Director of Programs • Leideen Escobar-Hernandez, Programs Associate • Chris Griffiths, Director of Operations & Finance • Danna Gutman, Data Analytics Specialist • Gabrielle Morrison, Programs and Partner Manager • John Odenwelder, Executive Director • Dylan Shepard, Programs Associate • Angelique Sousani-Twumasi, Programs Associate
Board of Directors • Alexander Bakalian • Amy Berger • Clare Bresnahan English • Brad Fresia • Miaoru Guan, Treasurer • Aleshia Harding • Minal Damani Kundra • Laura Levine • Nay Lin • Barbara McGarey, Secretary • Anu Mullick, Vice Chair • Margot Peet, Chair • Griselda Sanchez • Steve Seidel • Santosh Viswanadham • Yanjia Wang
Associate Board • Taylor Adams • Argus Bacskocky • Jessica Berger • Quinn Carr • Nick Day • Baylee Easterday • Hina Gir • Bruce Hamilton • Samantha Hubner • Brian Johnosn • Ashley Lantz • Amy Lillis • Anthony Livshen, Chair • Eugenia Loseva • Chrissy McCurdy • Margaret Munthali • Shruti Nayak • Karina Quintiliano • Palak Sabbineni • Disha Dinesh Sahni • Iryna Tiasko • Jillian Welborn, Vice Chair • Ciara Williams, Secretary • Brendan Wilmot
Academic Advisory Board • Brock Brady • Claire Kevill, Chair • Sherry Lyons • Emily Naber • Soo Park • Sherry Steeley • Heather Tatton-Harris • Polina Vinogradova
Emeritus Members of the Board • Kira Alvarez • Susanne Bennet • Ellen Bennett • Chip Brian-Horberg • Jennifer Browning • Ashley Bryant-Baker • Frances Butler • Karren DeSeve • Francis Dicello • Mary Janice Dicello • Charles Dittrich • Mary Douglas • Johanna Mendelson Forman • Christopher Gerlach • Ann Gosier • Robin Hanerfeld • Susan Hattan • Sarah Hoagland • Alexia Kelley • Jeffrey Kelley • Joan Kerrigan • Joseph Khoury • Gerald Langan • Bonnie Loeb • Tamera Luzzatto • Henry Lynch • Carlos Martin • Thea Mason • Sylvia Miller • Diane Mooney • Sharon Owens Johnson • Margot Peet • Fabian Rosado • Erin Haskell Ross • Jocelyn Samuels • Karen Yudelson Sandler • Robert Sledge • Liz Tisdale • Elizabeth Werner • Natalie Wexler • Louise Wides • Diane Zipursky
Federal Funding
Earlier this year, WEC’s funding via the Department of Education was cut—resulting in a budget gap of $132,000 a year for the foreseeable future. For 17 years, WEC received this funding that fueled critical language acquisition, workforce programs, and student scholarships. In response to this devastating news, WEC’s community rose to the occasion like never before.
Donors dedicated classrooms in honor of family members, held fundraisers out of their living rooms, and encouraged friends and family to give to WEC in lieu of birthday gifts. Through an outpouring of support, WEC closed the budget gap, and then some, by raising $211,000 in support of WEC’s work in our community.
Funding also came in the form of scholarship donations for low-income students: The creation of WEC’s Ancestor Scholars Program allows supporters to create a fund in memory of a loved one, and then solicit contributions in their name. The Ancestor Scholars program has raised thousands of dollars that have, in turn, enabled dozens of students to participate in classes at WEC. With the help of this initiative, WEC awarded over $192,500 in scholarships to 550 unique students over the last year.
Spring Event
WEC’s Spring Event—held Thursday, May 14th, at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum—was centered around the theme "Out of Many, One Community." Over 225 donors, volunteers, students, and members of our community came together for a night filled with great food, wonderful music, and terrific conversation.
The event program featured student speakers Mirfad Ahmed Mfaoume (from Comoros) and Hediye Alan (from Türkiye). Both shared with attendees how English classes at WEC had supported them in pursuing the goals: Mirfad Ahmed was able to pursue a master’s degree, and Hediye was able to find work as a chef. In both cases, they credited WEC with their success.
Board Vice Chair Anu Mullick presented the Pilar Laugel Award for Exemplary Service to Jennifer Browning and Anthony Livshen, two volunteers who have long-demonstrated their dedication to the organization and their passion for our students. Board Chair Margot Peet presented the Champion for Immigrants Award to Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, the lawyer who represented Kilmar Ábrego García following his illegal deportation in 2025. Simon shared his belief that there has never been a more vital time for an organization like WEC when it comes to ensuring immigrants feel welcome in America.
Student to Volunteer
"When I came to the U.S., my English level was 'intermediate,'" Rugaiya shares, smiling. Then, "I completed all the levels, so I signed up and became a volunteer co-teacher." Rugaiya has since returned to the classroom, in the evenings, to teach beginning-level students. She’s one of a record-breaking 46 student–volunteers (advanced-level students who want to give back to others just beginning their language-acquisition journey) to teach at WEC this past year.
"I will never forget the first day that I started teaching. That marked my experience as a teacher and student," Rugaiya explains. And, in many ways, she views herself as a life-long learner: "Teaching improved my English skills, and trained my brain in English." It also meant so much to her students, who were, in turn, "excited to learn" from someone who had once stood in their shoes.
Rugaiya is nothing if not dedicated: She is a scholarship recipient, never missed a day of taking morning classes (all while teaching in the evening), and completed 17 live teacher trainings in a single term. She remains grateful: "I found the best place to learn English. I have learned a lot at WEC, and I am very excited to be part of the WEC community. Thank you so much."
Supporters
Provided below are the foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals who have supported our work this last fiscal year at the $500 level or above. We are grateful for every gift we receive, no matter the amount. This list does not include anonymous donations.
Italics denote corporate, government, and foundation supporters.
Valedictorian ($10,000+) • Sima and Alex Bakalian • Amy Berger and Glen Nager • Jennifer and Vincent Browning • Clark Construction Group • Cooley • DC Mayor's Office of Community Affairs • Kindy French and Emanuel Friedman • Brad Fresia and Allister D'Souza • David and Barbara Garlock • Sam Giagtzoglou • Susan Hattan and Steven Kittrell • Connie Heller • Holy Trinity Catholic Church • The A. James and Alice B. Clark Charitable Foundation • Dale Kaufman • Joan Kerrigan • Sheila Kerrigan • KIHOMAC • Minal and Monish Kundra • The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation • Nancy Noonan and John Odenwelder • Margot and Richard Peet • Dian and Stephen Seidel
Dean’s List ($5,000 - $9,999) • Maya Ajmera • Kira Alvarez and Tim Hruby • Amazon • Blank Rome • Joel and Kristin Cundick • Laurie Davis and Joe Sellers • Tibby and David Ford • Patti Franco and Charles Clark • Ann and Thomas Friedman • Felice Friedman and Michael Bromwich • Ann Gosier • Karen Gravenstine • John Greenberg • Rose Gutfeld and Peter Edwards • Margaret and David Johnson • Keegan Werlin • Dina Lassow • Tamera Luzzatto • Barbara and Patrick McGarey • McKesson • Morgan Stanley • Savant Wealth Management • Martha Talley • Liz and Patrick Tisdale • Drew and Mary Ellen Weissman • Karen Yudelson Sandler and Joseph Sandler • Nancy and Harold Zirkin
Honor Roll ($2,500 - $4,999) • Wolfram Anders and Michele Manatt • AvalonBay Communities • Amanda Bartelme • Becker • Hightower Bethesda • Corbi Cotter • Gina Dallabetta • Elissa and Tom Davidson • Mary Janice and Frank Dicello • Nancy Donaldson • Mary Douglas and James Dick • Susan and David Fox • Hina Gir • Ruth Gramlich • Pamela Green • Miaoru Guan and Bob Huang • Mary Ellen and Michael Guerra • David Hart • HellerColeyReed • Meghan and Patrick Hendy • Margaret Hennessey • Leana Katz • Kate Koffman and Sid Banerjee • Sapna and Vivek Kundra • Alice Lawson • Sarah Lawson and Robert Shaw • Laura and Barry Levine • Bonnie Loeb • Annie and Paul Mahon • Kathy McDonnell • Kathleen McQuiggan • Anu and Taresh Mullick • Murray Osorio • Nelson B. Delavan Foundation • Pinehurst Design Build by Tom Gilday • Linda Rubenstein • Neda Sharghi-Salehi • Bess Touma • Emily and Antoine Van Agtmael • Glenn Westley and Jeanne Holzgrefe • Louise and Burton Wides • Diane Zipursky and John Holmes
Scholar ($1,000 - $2,499) • Swati Agrawal • Tamara Belt and Sean Greene • Susanne Bennet • Debbie Berkowitz • Deborah Bombard • Suzy and Jason Booma • George Bren • Clare Bresnahan English • Marian Brodsky • Barbara Brown and Robert Berish • Chris Burroughs • Fran and Francis Butler • Doris Campos-Infantino and Bob Infantino • Laurence Carter • Daniel Citrin • Jim Cole • Carolyn Corwin • Deborah Cowan • Keri Day • Davidson Group HR Solutions • Baylee Easterday • Andrew and Christina Ebersole • Anne and Gus Edwards • Marc and Phyllis Fleischaker • Phyllis Freedman • Bruce Frishman • Stephen Gibson • Daniel Gordon and Paul Cadario • Francis Grab • Anne and John Griffiths • Lucy Hamachek • Aleshia Harding and Emmanuel Wondwossen • Kim Heebner Price and Daniel Price • Ratna Hilscher • Betsy Humphreys and Glenn Palatini • ImplantsDC • Shubha Iyengar and Lalit Vadlamani • Jim Coleman Automotive • Johns Hopkins • Roma and Akhil Khanna • Cathy Klion and Tom Plotz • Neal Kravitz and Melissa Reinberg • Seema and Pyush Kumar • Dilys Lande • Lanier Landscapes • Roberta Larson • Justine Lee • Alex Lescroart and Jason McMahon • Annette Levey • Amy Lillis • Judge Alan and Liz Lourie • Bruce MacLennan • Kathleen Manatt • Thea and Gary Mason • Carol Mates • Brigid McCarthy • Jennie and Bill McConagha • Kathleen McGann • Sally Munn-Kenote • Nancy Novick • Jhon Pacheco • Kandi Parsons • George Penny and Mary Haskin • Eleanor and Daniel Perl • Mary Philp and Orin Heend • Marina Primorac • Susan Ratigan • Jacqueline Reidinger • Susan Ross • Deborah Schneider • Jeanne Schoeffler • Elida Seretti Pierson • Peter and Dia Sherman • Jonathan Silver • Leila Smith • Susan Stockdale • Catherine Sunshine • Kathy and Kurt Taylor Gaubatz • Bonnie and Robert Temple • Yanjia Wang and Ting Yan • Natalie Wexler and James Feldman • Jeanne Wolf • Rivka Yerushalmi
Donor ($500 - $999) • John and Judy Aldock • Sheyda Aryana • Argus Bacskocky • Stephanie and David Bergman • Amy Borrus • Jessica Bowman and Tim May • Clara Brillembourg and George Chopivsky • Ashley Bryant-Baker and Brian Baker • Mark Butler • Mary Carpenter • Ann Castiglione-Cataldo • Barbara Close • Sue Cohn and Lawrence Novey • Preeti and Vinay Deshmukh • Charles Dittrich • Doubles • Lee Dumbacher • Sid and Betsy Edelmann • Diane and Ron Eichner • Euro Motorcars • Talia Gerard • Mohammad Gir • David Goldston • Rochelle Granat • Jennifer Griffiths • Guilford Publications • Christopher and Kimberly Hart • Christopher Hayes • Willia and John Hennigan •Carolyn Hill and Todd Kim • Shannon Hill • Lynne Horning • Eleni Houghton • Vicki and Charlie Hutson • Basia Jones • Wendy Kahn • Candace Kaller and Chip Rosencrans • Alison Kaufman • Allison Kirsch • Joel Korn • Joseph Kovacich • Pallavi and Nitin Kumar • Jack Lavoie and Terry O'Hara Lavoie • League of Women Voters • Maxine Lillis • Barbara Lipman • Lashon Lissimore • Robert Livernash • Anthony Livshen • LSWG, P.A. • Manju and Arvin Malkani • Julie Mannes • Katherine Matthews • Ashley McMaster • Johanna Mendelson Forman and David Forman • Alan Miller • Diane Mooney and Frank Pietrantonio • Alanna Morin • Bridget and Michael Morris • Daniel Morrison • Akkad Moussa and Joey McIntosh • Steve Mufson • Neal Neuberger and Mary Payne • Mary Noone • Peg O'Brien • Mita Patel • Joanne Perlman • Susan Quainton • Stephanie Rapp and Renee Lanam • Gretchen and Michael Robbins • Nicholas Rogers • Barney Rush • Nancy Sachs • Jocelyn Samuels and Thomas Olson • Griselda Sanchez • Shvetank Shah • Sudha Shukla • Jocelyn Sigue and Jair Lynch • Stein Sperling • Willard Tom • G. Allan Van Fleet • Caitlin Van Orden • Keven Vance and Philip Gerson • Maura Vanderzon • Philip and Melanne Verveer • Mary Kim Warren • Pam Wilson • Sally Zeijlon • Eric Zimmerman • Susannah Zimmermann