In celebration of International Education Week, the Phoenix College International Education Program and ESL Program will host a panel discussion of former Phoenix College ESL students who have completed the program and have achieved a wide range of personal, academic, and professional success. This event is free and open to students, friends, and family.
We invite you to come and celebrate their success with us on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 10 am-11:15 am in the Phoenix College Student Union.
Special Guests Include:
Join International Education Program Coordinator and event emcee, Paula Chalarca-Chavez as she engages panelists in a lively discussion about their unique journeys. Panelists include: PC students, Fatima Fadlalla and Laura Plasencia and PC graduates, Ludwig Chavez and Mariko Ito.
Fatima Fadlalla is from Sudan. She joined the ESL Program in 2018. She has completed her ESL and English classes, and recently enrolled in a Sonography program. She is also working at Phoenix College as a part-time employee.
Laura Plasencia is from Morelos, Mexico. She joined the ESL program in 2022 and completed all ESL levels to learn English. Currently, she is in the Bioscience program and hopes to transfer to ASU to pursue pre-dental. She is involved in many clubs and joined the Student Ambassador program at Phoenix College. She also works as a Student Success Specialist to support other students at PC. “I’ve been trying to succeed in my journey” she says.
Ludwig Chavez grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, where he worked as an attorney, specializing in criminal and family law. He began his studies in the PC ESL program in 2017 and later earned an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Administration of Justice Studies (AJS) with a focus on Criminal Justice. He graduated with honors and holds three certificates in Administration of Justice, Corrections, and Legal Studies. Now, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Public Safety Administration (PSA), with a specialization in Administration of Justice, within the field of Criminal Justice. He notes, “the 2025-2026 academic year marks my final year of study here, and I am excited to know that I will graduate with the highest honors. This achievement reflects my faith, unwavering dedication, and the incredible support of my family, teachers, friends, and the dedicated staff at this community college.”
Mariko Ito is from Japan, and she started as an ESL student at Phoenix College and graduated in May 2025 with an AAS in Graphic Design. Currently, she is gaining hands-on experience as part of the marketing teams at two companies, working in both graphic design and social media. She notes, “I’m building on what I learned at Phoenix College while continuing to learn something new every day.”
For more information about this event, please call the International Education Office at (602) 285-7424.