Dr. Rosemarie Parreno
Gate Inc. Founder
Dr. Rosemarie E. Parreno has dedicated over 57 years to the field of education, establishing herself as an expert in Elementary Education, Library Science, and Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to children, teenagers, and adult learners at different workplaces in the Philippines and in New York City: 26 years in the public schools, 7 years as a school librarian, 5 years in the international organization for refugees, 26 years in CUNY campuses, 7 years in a drug rehab, 19 years for non- profit organizations, and a year in a business school.
She held the positions of Host Teacher, Mentor, Trainer, Supervisor, Education Manager, Program Director, NYC/NYS/ DYCD Presenter, Staff Developer, Curriculum/Job Developer, and Program Creator, and a community leader.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Elementary Education with specialization in Library Science at the West Visayas State University in 1969 in the Philippines.
She furthered her studies as an Exchange Teacher Language Scholar at Northern Illinois University in 1986. In 2000 she earned her Master’s in TESOL at Adelphi University in NY and became an International Honor Student in Education by Kappa Delta Phi. She culminated her educational pursuits in a Doctor of Philosophy majoring in English Language Education from Cagayan State University offshore program in 2022 in the Philippines.
She obtained the Academic Distinction Award from the Dean of the university. These academic achievements have been pivotal in her success as an educator, mentor, and community leader.
Her commitment to education is further exemplified by her role as a community leader: Founder of Fil- Am NEEDS( Filipino- American Neighborhood Education, Employment Development Services and Multicultural Adult Literacy Program that existed since 1994-2022.
She spearheaded these programs as Program Director, ESL Teachers’ Trainer, Staff Developer for 28 years with volunteer teachers offering ESL/GED/ Citizenship courses.
Recently, in 2025, she became one of the founders of GATE Global Association for Trainings and Employment. Dr. Parreno is an accomplished author and songwriter. She published her memoir book, “ Surviving the Life of an Immigrant in 2016 via Xlibris Publishing Company.
She has written 12 English and Filipino songs reflecting her creative and original spirit. Her remarkable contributions to education and community service have been recognized through 27 teaching accolades from various organizations and schools.
Notably, she was named as 2009 New York Times ESL of the Year Honoree, 2014 Literacy Assistance Center as Outstanding Literacy Practitioner, 2019 Most Influential Woman of the Year, 2024 Outstanding Leadership and Community Service Award, 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. She received from her high school Alma Mater as Outstanding Alumnus of the World in 2009.
Her love for education is reflected on her three professional daughters who are a teacher and two nurses with Master’s degrees in Education and Doctorate degrees in nursing. She had been married with the late Henry Parreno for 52 years. Dr. Rosemarie E. Parreno has proven herself that a simple teacher can be limitless in using her talents in education, human service, creativity and originality to serve students, people around the world, and underprivileged members of society, and the oppressed ones who have nowhere and nobody to help them.
Our Founders
Dr. Cresly Taylor Gate Inc. Founder
Professional Experience
TESOL Instructor: YMCA Manhattan, City University of New York (CUNY), Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC).
Special Education Teacher District 75 DOE NYC
Facilitates adult and youth English language learning for diverse student populations.
Designs and implements engaging, learner-centered instruction that adapts to multicultural backgrounds.
Fosters classroom inclusion and motivates students to achieve language and personal goals.
Educational Leadership
Developed and led programs integrating best practices in administration and supervision.
Mentored teachers and colleagues in adopting innovative strategies to promote equity and cultural responsiveness.
Recognized for inspiring positive change, supporting faculty growth, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
Author & Thought Leader
Authored publications and professional materials that guide educators in inclusive teaching and English language instruction.
Regularly presents at conferences and educational forums, sharing expertise on curriculum development, cross-cultural communication, and educational leadership.
Core Strengths
Inclusive Pedagogy: Demonstrated capacity to engage students of varied backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
Visionary Leadership: Proven skill in building collaborative teams that foster innovation and student success.
Mentorship & Advocacy: Passion for inspiring educators and learners, championing diversity, and empowering underrepresented communities.
Program and Curriculum Design: Expertise in designing impactful curricula for language acquisition and teacher professional development.
Recognition
Honored at the 2025 Empowerment Awards for shaping inclusive and globally-minded educational communities.
Widely respected by peers for her compassion, dedication, and sustained contributions to the field.
ELDDRY CASTILLO
Gate Inc. Founder
She is currently the Program Director of the Adult Literacy Program at Children’s Aid in New York City. Significantly, she is the living proof of an immigrant that the ladder of success has no limits. Throughout the years, she believes that everything in life seems impossible until it is done. She quotes, “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” (Roy T. Bennet)
In 2009, equipped with a dream, she brought strength and passion to reach for the stars to change her destiny from a full-time Mom and a clerk. Her decision was final for the first time. She started as an ESOL teacher volunteer at Fil-Am NEEDS in the Bronx. Fil-Am NEEDS recognized her courage and determination that she later was awarded as “Outstanding ESOL Teacher of the Year,” in 2016. Successfully, she obtained the positions of Assistant Program Director for Fil-Am NEEDS, Multicultural Adult Literacy Program in partnership with UNIFFIED from 2009-2022. Her dedication and efforts had paid off to become the woman she is meant to be.
Elddry Castillo academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts major in History at City College in NYC in 2015; Master’s in Educational Management at Cagayan State University online program in the Philippines in 2023; a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration major in Governance student candidate at the Philippine Christian University online program from 2023 to the present. The Literacy Assistance Center in New York City granted her two certificates: FAE Foundation of Adult Education in 2022 and TESLA Certificate Program in 2018.
She has shown continuously her leadership and excellence in teaching by being a multi-awarded ESOL teacher from 2016 to 2021. UNIFFIED Inc. had conferred her these awards: 2016 Most Influential ESL Teacher of the Year; 2017 Outstanding Volunteer ESL Teacher of the Year; 2018 Outstanding ESL Teacher of the Year; 2021 Outstanding ESL Mentor of the Year. Aside from her awards, Elddry has been a training advocate of LAC, DYCD, and ABE staff developments for ESOL teachers in NYC.
She has been a model mother to her three children. Her children are all professionals with promising jobs in the community. She has shown her family that education can lead to independence and a bright future in life. Elddry’s commitment to community service is exemplified by being the best example for the Hispanic people to serve the diverse community residents without counting the cost. Her spirit of volunteerism has given ESL teaching training skills and jobs to new immigrant teachers for many years.
Elddry Castillo remarkable contributions to the community as an ESOL teacher and leader in her profession has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Her outstanding creativity is visible in her achievements as a published author of poems and an established painter. Outstandingly, she is presently one of the founders of GATE (Global Association for Trainings and Employment) wherein she can apply her expertise in community leadership and extensive knowledge of ESOL trainings and innovative ideas as an ESOL mentor.
RIA SERRANO GATE Inc. FOUNDER
Ria Serrano is a community-focused professional, civic leader, and proud Filipino-American whose life is rooted in resilience, service, and purpose. She was born and raised in the Philippines. She finished her undegraduate studies with a Bachelors in Behavioral Science. Then immigrated to New York in 1996 with her parents and a sibling.
The move was both hopeful and heartbreaking—while she and her younger sibling were granted the opportunity to join their parents’ families in New York, but her eldest sister was left behind due to immigration constraints. This family separation would deeply shape Ria’s sense of responsibility, compassion, and commitment to creating a better future not just for herself, but for others immigrants facing similar struggles.
Her American journey began with humble beginnings—her first job was as a cashier at a small store near Union Square in New York City. She then transitioned into the apparel industry, working first at a small fashion company and eventually landing roles at prominent brands housed under apparel companies Michael Simon, Franco Apparel, and Cole Haan under G-III Apparel Group, where she gained extensive experience in operations, production coordination, and brand support. Seeking new challenges, Ria entered the tech and software consulting space with CGS Inc., a global business solutions company. There, she sharpened her skills in training digital systems and client service before returning to the fashion-tech space with Q4 Designs Inc., where she continued software training and consulting.
Outside of her professional achievements, Ria is a steadfast leader and volunteer in the nonprofit sector. She has held key positions in Junior Chamber International (JCI), guiding community projects and mentoring young leaders. With Team United, she supports medical missions for overseas communities. Through her ongoing work with PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League), she helps implement health workshops for senior care, and cultural programming in Jersey City. Ria Serrano exemplifies the spirit of service and perseverance. Her journey from an immigrant to a respected professional and community figure continues to inspire those who seek to lead with integrity and uplift others along the way. Recognitions, Leadership Roles & Influence Ria Serrano’s reputation extends far beyond her immediate neighborhood.
Her leadership has earned her awards, board appointments, and speaking engagements. Highlights include: 2012 to present PACCAL (2012 to 2020 Board Member, 2020 to present Executive Director) 2012 to 2017 Junior Chamber International (2012 Member, 2013 Vice President of JCI Philippine New York, 2014 to 2015 Charter Chapter President of JCI North Jersey, 2016 President of JCI State of New Jersey, 2017 Vice President of JCI USA) 2012 to 2020 Board Member of Team United Maharlika Foundation Inc. 2017 Conferred with a JCI Senator recognition #76566 by the Junior Chamber International 2020 to 2025 New Jersey JCI Senate (2020 to 2023 Board Member, 2023-2025 President, 2025 to 2026 Chairman of the Board) 2021 Conferred as Mrs. Friends Indeed by Friends Indeed USA Inc. 2022 to 2025 Board Member for United Federation of Filipino American Educators NJ Chapter 2022 Conferred as an Honoree by Women's Federation for World Peace 2023 to 2025 Board Member for Ladies for Rizal NJ Chapter 2023 Conferred as Mrs. Kalayaan Fil-Am for Cultural Promotion by Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) 2023 Conferred a Dr. Quines Honoree by Ladies for Rizal Long Island Chapter (LFR LI) 2023 Conferred as an Honoree by Filipino International Communities of America (FICA) 2024 Conferred as an Honoree by United Federation of Filipino American Educators (UNIFFIED) Receiving citations from civic groups for her humanitarian outreach, pandemic response efforts, and young professional mentoring initiatives. She is a connector—someone who builds bridges between generations, ethnic groups, and sectors. Her accomplishments include: Senior Support & Advocacy: Recognizing the vulnerability of elderly Asian immigrants, Serrano continued the wellness programs, health workshops, and social events that address isolation, language barriers, and healthcare access. She became a trusted voice for seniors, ensuring they remain visible and valued in the community. From 2 part-time support staff to 9 part time support staff, Ria continues to find ways to create innovative programs to keep seniors active. Youth Engagement: She launched programs to engage youth to meaningful activities within their local community.
The next endeavor she plans is to connect the youth to intergenerational programming and their cultural roots. Women’s Empowerment & Civic Training: Serrano champions women-led initiatives and civic participation. Her workshops on leadership, public service, and organizing have empowered many, especially Filipina women, to find their voice in local advocacy. Emergency & International Relief: Beyond Jersey City, Serrano has coordinated medical donations and aid to disaster victims in the Philippines—demonstrating her global humanitarian perspective. The Legacy of a Community Architect Ria Serrano is more than a nonprofit director, community leader, or cultural advocate. She is a community architect—someone who has built lasting systems of care, empowerment, and belonging in Jersey City. Through PACCAL and beyond, she has uplifted the Filipino American story and woven it proudly into the fabric of American civic life. Her legacy is seen in the confident voices of young Filipino Americans, the proud eyes of elder kababayans at a wellness workshop, and the grateful smiles of families who find support through her work. It is a legacy that will endure—not just in programs and events, but in the hearts of the people she continues to serve.
