Priscilla_Zarate, the district’s ENL and world language K-12 coordinator, was recently appointed to a three-year term on the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board by Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly.

Established in 2005, the 15-member Hispanic Advisory Board works to improve cultural understanding and civic participation, confers on issues of importance to the Hispanic community and makes recommendations to the Suffolk County government.  

“As an uncompromisingly strong advocate for Hispanic residents throughout Suffolk County, Priscilla Zarate is uniquely qualified to serve on the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board,” said Donnelly. 

Prior to joining Islip’s team, Zarate served as executive director of the New York City Department of Education’s Division of English Language Learners and Student Support; assistant coordinator for bilingual and ENL programs at the Brentwood School District; and bilingual, ENL and dual language programs coordinator for the Long Beach School District and the Christa McAuliffe School in Queens.

A resident of Deer Park, Zarate has been a committee member and program coordinator for the Town of Babylon Department of Human Services’ annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, and was recognized by the festival as a “Hispanic Leader Serving and Guiding Our Nation with Pride and Honor.”

“I’m humbled and honored to represent Legislator Donnelly and the Hispanic community,” said Zarate. “I’ve spent the last 22 years as an educator and leader building bridges and creating an environment that fosters a respect for and appreciation of all cultures from around the world. I eagerly look forward to continuing this mission.”