Idioma Represents at the JNCL-NCLIS Language Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.

Mar 19

Mellissia Walles, President and Founder of Idioma Education & Consulting, had the privilege of attending JNCL-NCLIS’s Language Advocacy Days (LAD) in Washington, D.C., where language advocates from across the country gathered to engage directly with policymakers. Her experience reinforced the critical role advocacy plays in shaping educational policy and securing essential funding for world language programs that prepare students to thrive in a multilingual and interconnected world.

Meeting with Massachusetts Lawmakers

As part of her advocacy efforts, Mellissia, along with others representing Massachusetts educators, met with staffers from the offices of Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Representative Katherine Clark, Representative Seth Moulton, and Representative Jim McGovern. These meetings were focused on advocating for increased funding and legislative support for world language education programs, emphasizing how these programs strengthen national security, economic competitiveness, global diplomacy, and cultural understanding. Through these meetings, Mellissia saw firsthand the impact of well-prepared, passionate advocacy in influencing key education policies. Her experience was both meaningful and productive, reaffirming that engaging directly with lawmakers is not only necessary but powerful in shaping the future of language education.

A Strong Massachusetts Advocacy Team

Mellissia was honored to advocate alongside an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable Massachusetts team, including:

Mia Correia, Ed.D. – K-12 Curriculum, Data, and Assessment Manager for World Languages at New Bedford Public Schools, Adjunct Professor at BU Wheelock School of Education, Advocacy Chair for MAFLA, and YWCA Board Member.
Karen Maria Sasky Hughes – Advocacy Chair for NNELL (The National Network for Early Language Learning), a passionate advocate for early language education.
Anna Zilberberg, Ph.D. – Senior Director of Language Assessment, Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), offering deep expertise in language proficiency assessment and policy.
Cynthia Reed, Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur – World Language Advocate of French Studies and the French+ Initiative at MIT, member of the French For All Advisory Committee, Trustee for the Albertine Foundation, and MIT Visiting Committee for the Humanities, championing the role of French language education and international collaboration.

Together, this powerhouse team ensured that lawmakers understood the far-reaching impact of world language education on students, communities, and the workforce.

Advocacy Focus: Key Legislative Priorities

During their meetings, Mellissia and her team urged support and funding for several key bills and initiatives, including:

H.R. 4588: Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2023: To ensure more students graduate with international knowledge and experience essential for today’s global economy by establishing the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program within the Department of State.

H.R. 5603: World Language Education Assistance Program Act (World LEAP Act): Requires the Department of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies to establish or improve world language and dual language programs.

Increase funding for H.R. 1094: World Language Advancement and Readiness Act of 2019: Supports world language programs in K-12 schools, including American Sign Language (ASL), to bolster language readiness for national security and global engagement.

H.R. 1660: Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act: Provides funding to states to establish and expand Seal of Biliteracy programs that recognize students attaining proficiency in multiple languages.

Language Education Data Enhancement Act: Supports the collection and dissemination of data on the availability and access to world language coursework in K-12 and higher education, critical for understanding and addressing gaps in language education.

Native American Language Resource Center Act: Authorizes grants to create a national resource and training center to support teaching and learning Native American languages.

Title III Funding: Urges increased funding to support English Learners (ELs) and expand Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs nationwide.

Beyond Advocacy: Networking and Building Community

Beyond the scheduled meetings, Mellissia appreciated the networking opportunities at the training sessions and award ceremonies, where advocates could share best practices, strengthen relationships, and reinforce a united movement for language education.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment to Language Education

Mellissia’s experience at JNCL-NCLIS 2025 was a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and preparation in advancing world language education. Returning to her work at Idioma Education & Consulting, she brings renewed insight and energy to continue advocating for language programs that prepare students for success in a multilingual, global society.

By engaging policymakers and strengthening partnerships, Mellissia and her team are helping shape a more inclusive, globally competent future for all students.

To learn more about Language Advocacy Days #LAD25, click here.

To learn more about the Joint National Committee for Languages-National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS), click here.