Above: A Southborough author and educator is among the Framingham community members being honored in their inaugural Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month ceremony. (image edited to highlight De Leon, using event promo)
A reader alerted me that a recent press release from the City of Framingham has a connection to our community. In it, Southborough resident Jennifer De Leon is listed as one of the “dozen individuals whose leadership, service, accomplishments, and contributions have helped strengthen the Framingham community.”
De Leon and the others will be honored at the city’s first Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month Honors Ceremony this Wednesday, October 14th. I reached out to learn more about why De Leon was selected.
The City’s Public Information Officer was a member of the selection committee. She was able to share:
The Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month Selection Committee selected Jennifer De Leon as one of the 12 honorees because her story, accomplishments, and ongoing commitment to the community exemplify the qualities the committee sought to recognize.
Nominated by a member of the public, Jennifer’s journey from her beginnings as a student in Framingham Public Schools to becoming an award-winning author and Associate Professor at Framingham State University reflects perseverance, achievement, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for others. Her accomplishments demonstrate what is possible through determination, education, and purpose, while her continued connection to the community makes her story particularly meaningful.
Jennifer has made significant contributions as a writer, educator, and advocate for diverse voices. She is the award-winning author of Borderless and Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From, as well as White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing, which received the Juniper Prize from the University of Massachusetts Press. She is also the editor of the International Latino Book Award-winning anthology Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education. Her work has appeared in numerous respected literary journals, and she has contributed to NPR.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, the committee was especially impressed by Jennifer’s commitment to opening doors and creating space for others. Through her work as an educator and through Story Bridge, LLC, which she founded to bring people together to share and hear one another’s stories, she uses her platform to elevate diverse perspectives and strengthen connections within and beyond her community.
Jennifer represents the power of a local student becoming a leader whose influence extends far beyond her own achievements. Her story embodies perseverance, excellence, service, and the belief that one person’s success can create pathways and inspiration for others. For these reasons, the committee felt Jennifer was highly deserving of recognition as one of the 12 honorees.
Some readers may be familiar with De Leon from her past Story Bridge work with the NSBORO School system, a keynote speech she gave the community on the power of stories, or her book launch for “Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From” in 2020.
The ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm on October 15th in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building (City Hall), 150 Concord St, Framingham. You can read more about the event and the other honorees here.
