She has served as board treasurer for Children Ready to Learn since 2022 and has been an alumni mentor at Northeastern Illinois University since 2019.
KENT, WA, June 05, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Athena J. Jimenez-Manalo, EdD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Jimenez-Manalo has carved a distinguished career in the field of education, particularly in dual language bilingual education. Currently serving as the national director of elementary at Latinos in Action since 2024, she plays a pivotal role in expanding and enhancing educational programs for elementary students across the United States. Her responsibilities include meeting with school districts or potential partners to advance their mission, writing curriculum for elementary courses, supporting teachers, recruiting school districts, and ensuring program fidelity nationwide.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Jimenez-Manalo made significant contributions as a dual language and multilingual learning manager at the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families from 2021 to 2023. Here, she developed the state's first dual language standards for early childhood education. Her journey in education also includes impactful tenures as a Spanish immersion teacher at the International Spanish Academy within the Bellevue School District from 2016 to 2021 and an 8th grade dual language social studies teacher at Richfield Public Schools from 2014 to 2016. Earlier roles include serving as a bilingual family liaison and community education program coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools from 2013 to 2014 and as a program coordinator for the Northeastern programming board at Northeastern Illinois University in 2010.
Dr. Jimenez-Manalo's expertise is recognized through her active participation in industry-related organizations such as the Washington Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the Washington Association for Bilingual Education, the National Association for Bilingual Education, the International Honor Society in Education: Kappa Delta Pi (Alpha Theta Psi chapter), the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and Theta Chi Omega Multicultural Sorority Incorporated. She has also shared her knowledge as a presenter at conferences organized by the Washington Association for Bilingual Education and the Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers.
Her academic background is equally impressive, holding dual bachelor's degrees in secondary education and history from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with specialization in bilingual education, and a Doctor of Education in leadership from the American College of Education. In addition to these academic achievements, Dr. Jimenez-Manalo credits her grandmother's positive influence and her husband's unwavering support as instrumental in her professional success and development.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Jimenez-Manalo is deeply involved in civic activities. She has served as board treasurer for Children Ready to Learn since 2022 and has been an alumni mentor at Northeastern Illinois University since 2019. Her past civic engagements include membership on the Board of Directors for the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization in Minneapolis from 2013 to 2014.
In her personal life, Dr. Jimenez-Manalo finds peace and inspiration in nature. She enjoys hiking with her husband and dog, embracing the tranquility and beauty of natural surroundings. Committed to uplifting marginalized communities and improving access to education and career opportunities, she aims to promote social and economic mobility across various demographics. Through her work and personal endeavors, Dr. Jimenez-Manalo strives to enhance postsecondary education options to help individuals achieve their goals, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on society.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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