Dear campus community,
Last week we began the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month honoring those from the Latinx community who have contributed greatly to the American experience. The reason Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 was chosen for recognition is because many Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile, and Mexico celebrate the anniversary of their independence within this time period.
Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation is this year’s theme. The diversity on our campus is our strength, and our contributions to the culture, the economy, and the future of our nation cannot be denied. In the spirit of this year’s theme, we recognize Dr. Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi, the executive director of the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC).
Prior to joining the EOC, Dr. Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi held several leadership roles at BOCES throughout the Capital Region, as well as serving on the BOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Task Force. She has worked as director for career and technical education for Questar III BOCES in Castleton; assistant director for curriculum and instruction for Capital Region BOCES in Albany; and as coordinator for adult/continuing education, business and workforce development for Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES in Saratoga Springs. Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi also served as president and CEO of Furlocity, Inc. in Schenectady and as COO at Ventana Capital Partners in LaJolla, CA. Her background also includes several years of teaching and leadership positions on both the high school and college level throughout New York, California and Florida.
In addition to her professional experience, Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi has participated in several organizations, including as secretary to the Board of Directors for the Upstate NY Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Capital District Chapter of 100 Hispanic Women; and vice president of the Board of Directors for the East Greenbush Education Foundation.
In October of 2017, following the devastation from Hurricane Maria, Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi led the charge to organize a concert benefiting the victims of Puerto Rico. This fundraising effort nearing $10,000 in donations and ticket sales was used to purchase much needed supplies that were flown to the island by the Air National Guard. A few years later, after the earthquakes that rocked Puerto Rico in December 2019, Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi, along with her husband, collected donations of emergency supplies to fill 42 pieces of luggage. She travelled to a Head Start/Early Head Start on the island to personally deliver these supplies to children and families affected by the earthquakes.
Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi holds a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from The Sage Colleges; a School District Leader Certificate of Advanced Studies from The College of St. Rose; a Master of Science in Education Administration from National University in San Diego; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from SUNY Oneonta.
We appreciate having Dr. Fenandez-Pallozzi as part of our team and the value that she adds.
In service,
Ainsley Thomas
Chief Diversity Officer