ABOUT US
MISSION
The Sanibel Leadership Association, Inc. hosts its annual Sanibel Leadership Conference to examine the latest trends, research, best practices, and legislation related to ESOL / English Language Learner (ELL) education. We are Florida's Voice for Higher Education and School District ESOL Professionals. These are university and school district leaders who design, implement, and monitor the educational experiences, English language acquisition, social support services, and university preparation programs for teachers of English Learners and their students.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Funds are used to host the conference, conference locale, speakers, meals and events. Remaining funds permit us to offer scholarships through partner organizations. Each year, the Sanibel Leadership Association gives up to $10,000 to groups that foster English Learners' future educational opportunities. Our partner organizations are: The Hispanic Women's Council of Southwest Florida; The University of Florida; and The Florida Department of Education José Martí Scholarship. As well, the Sanibel Leadership Association recognizes an outstanding ESOL educator from a Florida college/university or Florida school district through the Beatrice K. Palls Diversity Educator Award, and two exemplary high school English Learner students with the Thomas Coady Award and the Citizenship Award. Each of these is honored with a framed certificate, cash award, and the offer of attendance at the conference when conferred.
Minnie Cardona
President/Exhibitor Coordinator
Director, ESOL/World Languages/Student ACCESS for Seminole County Public Schools.
Contact: Minnie_cardona2@gmail.com
Josie Medina
Secretary
Sr. Director, Multilingual Services for Orange County Public Schools
Contact: Josefina.Medina@ocps.net
Vanessa Brewster
Treasurer/Exhibitor Co-Chair
ESOL Curriculum Specialist Seminole County Public Schools.
Contact: vanessa_brewster@scps.k12.fl.us
Vicky Saldala
Conference Chair
Director of the Bilingual/ESOL Department for Broward County Public Schools.
Contact: Victoria.saldala@browardschools.com
Donita Grissom
Program Co-chair
Dr. Grissom is a professor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Florida.
Contact: Donita.grissom@ucf.edu
Jennifer L. Khattabi
Registration Coordinator
Dr. Khattabi is a professor of ESOL education at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg.
Dr. Diana Ramlall
FABES President
ESOL Instructional Coordinator of Multicultural Education at Palm Beach County
Contact: fabesflorida.weebly.com
Florida Association of Bilingual and ESOL Supervisors
Our mission is to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in order to share best practices and resources that promote equity and equality in the instruction of English language learners. We strive to remain current in the latest trends in instructional practice and research, and pride ourselves on advocacy for students, families, and educators.
OUR GOAL
Bea Palls
Past President
Bea serves as special administrative counsel to the Executive Board and is a life-long ESOL educator, training coordinator, and advocate.
Contact: Beapalls@bbcultures.com
“The Executive Board seeks to be a voice for those educators who advocate for English Learners and their families. To that end, the Board partners with stakeholders to extend an understanding of research, resources, and evidenced-based instructional practices throughout the community. We represent the needs of the students through the leadership provided by college and university professors and school district administrators."
Minnie Cardona, President
Sanibel Leadership Association