MULTILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
Division of Multilingual Learners
Panel Style Assembly Program
CAREER DAY INC. PARTNERS WITH NYC DEPARTMENT OF MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MULTILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
On February 12, 2026, Career Day Inc. proudly partnered with the NYC Department of Multilingual Learners for the third consecutive year as part of the inspiring Multilingual and Immigrant Student Symposium. We were honored to once again participate in this meaningful initiative dedicated to empowering multilingual and immigrant students through education, career exploration, and leadership development.
As part of the program, Career Day Inc. brought together eight outstanding professionals from diverse industries and career backgrounds who were fluent in different languages and represented a wide range of professions and training pathways. Students had the opportunity to hear firsthand stories about overcoming challenges, pursuing higher education, building successful careers, and navigating professional opportunities while embracing their multicultural identities.
The symposium created a powerful and inclusive environment where students could connect with professionals who reflected their experiences and backgrounds. Through engaging discussions and real-world insight, speakers encouraged students to remain confident in their abilities, celebrate their diversity, and continue pursuing their personal and professional goals.
The Multilingual and Immigrant Student Symposium is a wonderful initiative led by the New York City Department of Education, designed to support and inspire multilingual learners by exposing them to career opportunities, mentorship, and educational resources that can help shape their futures.
Career Day Inc. is incredibly proud to continue collaborating with the NYC Department of Multilingual Learners and contributing to a program that creates meaningful opportunities for students across New York City. We look forward to continuing this partnership and inspiring even more students in the years ahead.
Meet the Panel
Katherine Serrano Sosa
Katherine Serrano-Sosa is an architect and business owner who designs buildings that help people feel healthy, welcome, and inspired. She enjoys teaching, speaking, and mentoring students who want to become architects. Katherine is passionate about using design to help communities and inspire the next generation.
Rich Tavarez
Rich Tavarez is a community development and financial services leader with more than 25 years of experience building partnerships that connect institutional resources with meaningful community impact. Rich is recognized for leading initiatives from planning through execution, measurement, and long-term adoption, and for his ability to build trust, drive collaboration, and deliver results
Theodore Massillon
Theodore Massillon is a revenue growth executive and AI marketing strategist. He is the founder of NOM Studios, where he leads AI-driven marketing initiatives that help organizations increase audience reach, revenue, and community impact. Theodore has worked with nonprofits, healthcare organizations, startups, and Fortune 500 partners, delivering measurable growth through innovative marketing systems.
Marie Saint Cyr
Marie Saint Cyr is a visionary entrepreneur who has established multiple creative enterprises, including Saint-Cyr Art Studio, a thriving commercial mural company with revenues exceeding $1 million, and Saint-Cyr Art Engagement; a pioneering venture dedicated to crafting and implementing innovative visual art education programs for K-12 schools.
Anusha Kumar
nusha Kumar is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The City College of New York (CUNY) and completed clinical training in hospital, community, and academic settings. Anusha provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and couples at the SelfWorks group practice, and has experience conducting neuropsychological evaluations and supervising trainees.
Yumiko Higaki
Yumiko Higaki is an elementary school teacher in a Brooklyn public school and an adjunct instructor at Bank Street College of Education. She brings extensive experience from both public and independent schools in New York and Connecticut and is deeply committed to inquiry-based, inclusive, and student-centered learning. Yumiko has led professional development workshops on lesson planning through Bank Street and Ulster BOCES.
Arthur Attal
Arthur Attal is an expert in corporate development, strategic partnerships, new business development, strategy, operations, project management, technology, mobility, strategic analysis, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and financial modeling. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management. Arthur is an Advisor in the LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program helping teams of high school students launch their business ideas.
Rhea Manjrekar
Rhea Manjrekar is an Implementation Consultant at Fast Enterprises, where she works on delivering and supporting large-scale technology solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Stony Brook University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Rhea has experience across software engineering and information technology through roles in healthcare, technology, and consulting organizations
