Alumna Dr. Anna Flores Locke to be Honored by NY League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.
Posted in: College News and Events
Dr. Anna Flores Locke, assistant professor of mental health counseling at Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (AGSC) will receive the prestigious Education Award from the New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NYLPRW). The Brooklyn, NY-based nonprofit provides Puerto Rican and Hispanic women with financial support to earn a college degree. The award will be presented at the organization’s 11th annual Scholarship Awards Gala Dinner Dance on August 29 at Marina Del Ray in The Bronx. Proceeds from the League’s events fund its Scholarship Program.
Dr. Locke, who also serves the Nyack academic community as director of clinical internship and field placement for AGSC, says, “I am honored and blessed to receive the 2019 education honoree award from NYLPRW. This award signifies my commitment and passion for higher education and mentorship. I would not be where I am today without my education and mentorship that I received along the way. Most importantly, this award validates my power as a Puerto Rican woman who is an educator, business owner, wife, mother, daughter and friend dedicated to the positive advancement of the Puerto Rican community. To God’s glory and to Nyack College, I dedicate this award.”
With a heart for mentoring and serving her students, she explains how she became aware of the group recognizing her extraordinary leadership. “One of my graduate students, Eunice Santiago, introduced me to this organization. After learning about their mission to advance Puerto Rican women through higher education, I was inspired and became a member.”
“I support this organization’s mission because as a college professor I am invested in the education and mentoring of students, especially those belonging to marginalized communities. Further, recognizing the lack of financial support for Puerto Rican women aspiring to complete higher education to improve their family’s wellbeing, I wanted to leverage my power and privilege as a doctoral level professional to give back. I am giving back, not only financially, but also through mentorship and serving as a role model for other Puerto Rican women seeking higher education.”
Expressing her gratitude for what she has accomplished with the support and encouragement of others, Dr. Locke says, “I am walking proof that a Puerto Rican woman can achieve the highest level of education in the United States (by obtaining a Ph.D.), while staying true to her roots and acknowledging the community of family, peers and colleagues who helped her meet this goal. It is truly an honor to receive this award and to be part of group of strong leaders working towards their motto: “Educate a woman and you educate a family.”
Learn more about Alliance Graduate School of Counseling programs.