Carson City-based English Language Learners founder recognized by Microsoft for International Women's Day
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 12:08pm
Carson City-based English Language Learners Program founder Florence Phillips was one of three women recognized Monday as part of Microsoft’s “International Women in Technology” for 2021.
A daughter of immigrants, Phillips, 89, worked in the Peace Corps, returning home to start the English Language Learners program out of her Carson City home.
"When you think grit, think Florence Phillips. When most people retire, she opted for reinvention," according to a Microsoft news release. "When the pandemic hit last year, Florence was 88 years old and had to teach herself how to use technology to run her business. Little did she know, it would expand her business and impact exponentially. She now has tutors and students teaching and learning English worldwide, supporting her belief that everyone should have access to education."
Phillips says by using technology, she and the organization she built are able to teach people English and give them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
"And I started all of this at 75. You can do anything, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise," said Phillips.
Not only does she promote empowerment of people through language learning, she also encourages students and tutors alike to always strive for their goals, according to a release. (Today) on International Women’s Day, Florence was one of three women selected for recognition as Microsoft’s “International Women in Technology” for 2021.
Go here to see a video presentation of the women recognized, including Phillips.
In 2020 Phillips received Nevada's highest volunteer honors with a lifetime recognition award for the all-volunteer, nonprofit Carson City-based program she established. Nevada Governor’s Points of Light included a new category — a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award — which Phillips received.
In 2019 she was recognized by the prestigious Manhattan Institute as one of four nonprofit organization leaders in the U.S. to receive the 2019 Civil Society Award.
In 2018 Phillips was honored as being one of the "Top 10 CNN Heroes" in an award ceremony that recognized her work in providing free English as a Second Language in-home tutoring in the Carson City community and throughout the region.
Carson City is home to the English Language Learners In-Home Program, which uses hundreds of volunteers to teach English, citizenship preparation, and other workplace skills at no cost to its students, who are seeking to provide a better life for their families.
Since 2004, volunteer tutors have empowered more than 5,000 immigrants and refugees to learn English and the cultural skills necessary to lead a successful and productive life in America. Originally serving only northern Nevada, today the ESL program has expanded its reach to learners living in other states around the country.
To learn more the program or to become tutor, go to eslinhome.org or call Florence at 775-888-2021.
