Working Behind the Scenes to Help Others Overcome

The Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub opened in Central Falls in January of 2020 as a way for the department of Professional Studies and Continuing Education (PSCE) to serve the Blackstone Valley Region. It continued and expanded the work of PSCE’s Outreach Program from its headquarters on the main campus. By then, Cristina Vallejo, a Colombian immigrant, had already been the administrative assistant of the workforce development and continuing education programs for more than six years. 

Vallejo’s work includes serving as a Spanish-language translator for students in the programs. Since the beginning, she has been the bridge between instructors, students, the institution and the programs, developing a connection – or, as she calls it “a friendship” – with the participants. “At some point, the students started looking for me to get information about the programs offered at the hub.” 

She explains that she sees the needs of the people, especially immigrants who often feel very lonely or disconnected in the United States. Vallejo believes institutions like the Workforce Hub can help them navigate the systems and access better opportunities.  

Since the establishment of the hub, Vallejo has helped Jenifer Giroux, the Associate Vice President for PSCE, with organizing and recruiting people for the Community Health Workers program and the English courses in Central Falls, relying on her contact list to spread the word about opportunities that can benefit a community she knows so well. “Eighteen people were trained, of which there are already several who are working as community health workers,” she explains. “This is very satisfying for me.” She notes that even among those who do not see the program through to the end, many still get ahead by finding a better job, which also helps them change their socioeconomic status. She finds this equally satisfying.

Vallejo recalls the case of Ester Eunice Juarez, a Guatemalan immigrant who arrived in Rhode Island in December 2017, and decided to stay because “some relatives are here and this is a state with many opportunities to study,” she notes. 

In her country, Juarez had a university degree in business administration and years of experience as a management assistant in a government office. “In 2017, I was already 43 years old. I knew what kind of life one has without a degree, because I was here 30 years ago,” she says. “Thank God, the man who rented us an apartment is the maintenance manager of one of the RIC buildings; he told me about the medical assistant courses.” 

After doing a language equivalency, she enrolled at RIC in September 2018 and soon after met Cristina Vallejo, whom she says is “an excellent person and helps the participants of the courses a lot.” 

“Medical assistants are always needed and now they’re even more in demand with the pandemic,” Vallejo notes. “Those courses are generally made for people whose first language is not English, and it happens that they are mostly Hispanic.”  

Vallejo explains that when a new program is about to start, she sends information to other institutions, such as Progreso latino, acquaintances and friends at the school district, or people she has gained a close relationship with over the years, in order to extend the information to people who may be interested. Sometimes a large number of applications make it to her desk before she even starts recruiting because of the work the community does through word of mouth. 

The programs at the hub are aimed at people who graduate from high school but, for one reason or another, are unable to pursue a four-year degree. It provides some access to higher education and better career opportunities. “They then have the basis to find a job that allows them to pay for more advanced studies,” says Vallejo. 

“The community benefits incredibly,” she adds. “Many people do not have a car or the possibility of going to Providence. Mothers drop their children off at school and come to class from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., which is perfect for them. People who work during the day have the opportunity to come to class in the evening.” 

Vallejo also notes that the programs are inexpensive, often with support from partners like the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the Rhode Island Department of Education and Lifespan.

After her experience at the hub, Juarez feels grateful for the opportunities provided by RIC; those led her to other opportunities, like the medical interpreter course at Clínica Esperanza (Hope Clinic). She did some volunteer work there, which paid off when she was recommended for a job with Family Service of Rhode Island. She currently works as a bilingual community health worker for the organization’s First Connection Program. Last June, after six months there, she won the Bright Star Award for her work and commitment.  

“I feel very proud because the road was not easy. I had to study day and night, and work on weekends. I adapted to the system and today I feel happy,” Juarez says. “In the end everything has its reward.”
She also won the Compassion Award of her promotion at the program of medical assistant at RIC, and was granted the opportunity to give the speech on graduation day.

As for Cristina Vallejo, it’s gratifying to see that people like Juarez come to this country to overcome great things for them, their families and their communities. 

“Cristina is an invaluable member of the Professional Studies and Continuing Education staff and the backbone of our adult education programming. She is a tireless advocate and source of support for our students, staff and community. Says Giroux, “her dedication to her work has a positive impact on all those who are fortunate to come into contact with her. My admiration for and gratitude to her is immeasurable,”