Dr. Maria Boccalandro
Contact: Debra Dennis
214-378-1851;
ddennis@dcccd.edu
For immediate release — June 6, 2019
Dr. Maria Boccalandro has been named a finalist for the 2019 Immigrant Journey Awards.
Dallas’ most celebrated and influential immigrant leaders will be announced on June 14 during a gala at The Clubs at Prestonwood, 15909 Preston Road in Dallas. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Boccalandro has served as director of sustainability at Cedar Valley College, where she developed and implemented the school’s best practices in sustainability awareness. Most recently, she has transitioned into the CVC Office of Advancement, focusing on projects related to sustainability, economic development and fundraising.
A native of Venezuela, Boccalandro is a graduate of Simon Bolivar University in Caracas. She and her family fled Caracas in 2007 after her son was nearly kidnapped.
“As an immigrant with a passion for education and environmental justice, I am truly honored to be nominated for this prestigious award. No one wants to leave their birthplace, unless it becomes dangerous for your family,” Boccalandro said.
“Now I am a proud U.S. citizen. My journey would not have been possible without the support and mentoring from my family, friends and colleagues,” she said.
“I want to especially acknowledge those at Mountain View, Cedar Valley and the Dallas County Community College District for believing in me,” Boccalandro said. “Their shared commitment to student, employee and community success in the areas that mean the most to me, including sustainable economic development and educational advancement, have made all the difference in my journey.”
Prior to joining DCCCD, Boccalandro was an entrepreneur, co-founding and leading an international consulting firm supporting clients in strategic planning, organizational development, project management, coaching and workforce training. She has previously served as a board member of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and president of the Venezuelan Women’s Association, during which time this organization was admitted to the Organization of American States (OAS).
Boccalandro, a mother of four, enjoys volunteering, skiing, swimming, experiencing nature, reading and writing novels.
The awards gala features former recipient Peter Burns, who will serve as the keynote speaker. Burns, a community leader in Frisco, hails from Jamaica.
For more information or to register for the event, you may visit:
immigrantjourney2019.eventbrite.com.