Testimonials
Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ricardo Espinoza during his tenure as Superintendent of LaMoille School District #303. Dr. Espinoza has been a servant leader and activist for the Hispanic community by speaking at area festivals, fundraisers, college and community events to motivate and inspire others to pursue their dreams. Dr. Espinoza gave a phenomenal presentation to an audience of Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) students and staff on “Growing up Hispanic in the Illinois Valley and Achieving Success.” Dr. Espinoza shared struggles growing up that led to his triumphs with first-generation and non-traditional students in an effort to encourage them to fulfill their goals. “I admire Dr. Espinoza for his humility and passion in helping students reach their fullest potential," states Sara Escatel, Director of Adult Education at IVCC.
(NIAATSP) Cultural Interpretation Contest at Mendota High School
Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
The Northern Illinois American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese hosts an annual Spanish Regional Contest in which we had the privilege to work with Dr. Ricardo Espinoza. It was such a great honor to have Dr. Espinoza as the Master of Ceremonies, for three consecutive years. His personal connection with the community and the culture made it a welcoming environment for everyone involved. Dr. Espinoza enlightened the crowd and performers with his charming personality and knowledge of the language and traditions.
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Illinois Valley Community College's Adult Education Program Presenter
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Testimonials
Doctoral Candidate John Ponstingel
Centro Cultural hispano de san marcos
Centro Cultural hispano de san marcos
I consulted Dr. Espinoza for my PhD research into Latinx voting behavior in Texas. As the Director at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, Dr. Espinoza had valuable insights into the daily experiences of the surrounding communities and made excellent recommendations for my survey design and interview questions. What is more, as a long-standing community member himself, Dr. Espinoza had established a variety of networks to which he provided formal introductions. Those introductions enabled me to not only complete my PhD degree, but resulted in a peer-reviewed publication. Without consulting Dr. Espinoza, I am not sure if I would have completed my program on time, or had the unique experience of working with local organizations and establishing long-standing working relationships. Highly recommended!
Centro Cultural hispano de san marcos
Centro Cultural hispano de san marcos
Centro Cultural hispano de san marcos
I became acquainted with Dr. Espinoza when he joined Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos as Executive Director. He brought confidence with new ideas to help generate financial support and resources for the non-profit organization.
One of his most successful efforts involved other civic and non-profit groups. He created partnerships to help Centro obtain financial support and to join the organization in servicing the communities of the County of Hays, Texas, and the region.
His outreach effort produced effective partnerships with various non-profit and civic organizations. One partnership project with the SM Rotary Club - supplied a fully equipped Laundry Room at a SMCID School. Students can now launder their clothes on-site - to help them better focus on their education. Another project with the SM City Police Dept. - helped the Area Food Bank Organization to replenish their food pantry’s shortage caused by the COVID situation.
Within 18 months of his regime - COVID interrupted the organization’s ability to host the standard in-person fundraisers. The situation affected the delivery of all programs and community services for many months. As Director, Dr. Espinoza worked with our local financial institutions (the Centro Bank Partners) and the US Government to help the organization function financially during this period. Thus, Centro successfully offered classes via Zoom with Interns so the students could dialog directly with the instructors during this time.
Centro Partnerships: composed of fellow organizations, businesses, and dedicated individuals – “working together to improve the lives of deserving children and adults of all backgrounds.”
Dr. Espinoza is proud of his Hispanic roots and Culture and is as concerned for the Hispanic Community and its future. However, he is also sensitive to the needs of all cultures and the betterment of all communities. At Centro, he showed a heart open to “everyone in need of a helping hand for a better life.”
He treated everyone with respect and encouraged them to continue the life of good citizens. Each student was inspired to complete their education – referring to his experience: “Dreams are possible – but it takes dedication and hard work.”
C. Vásquez Villalpando