As the proud daughter of Portuguese immigrants from the Island of São Miguel, Elizabeth’s first language was Portuguese, and her rich heritage plays an integral role in shaping who she is. Beyond her cultural roots, she is also a proud mother of three children and a loving grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren.
With over 30 years of extensive experience in the mortgage industry, Elizabeth brings a wealth of professional knowledge and a strong work ethic to the board. Deeply committed to giving back to her community, it is profoundly important to her to see the Portuguese culture continue to grow and thrive.
Elizabeth is excited to contribute her valuable skills and passion to support the Discovery Language Academy’s vital mission of fostering language and cultural development. Her dedication to her heritage and community makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership.

Sonia was born in Terceira Island, Azores, in 1980, and her pursuit of academic excellence and professional success has taken her across continents. After obtaining an English Certificate from Loughborough College in England, she ventured to the United States in 2000 to pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at the New England Institute of Technology. Sonia serves as the Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager at BayCoast Bank.
Beyond her career in banking, Sonia is deeply passionate about various hobbies, including singing, modeling, and community involvement. Her dedication to community service is evident in her role as a board member of the Rotary Club of New Bedford, where she actively volunteers and advocates for important causes.
In addition to her professional and community commitments, Sonia has also made a name for herself in the world of fashion and modeling. In 2021, she was invited to become the Face of the Azorean Collection by renowned Supermodel/Designer Avadora Mimouni. This role has allowed her to represent the collection at prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week.
Sonia’s mantra of Love is Love, Equality, Inclusivity, and Diversity resonates in all her endeavors, as she strives to promote these values within her community and beyond. Her dedication to preserving Portuguese culture and traditions is a testament to her belief in passing on important heritage to future generations.
With her inspiring journey and impactful contributions, Sonia embodies resilience, passion, and a strong sense of purpose. I believe she would be an excellent addition to any speaking engagement or panel discussion centered around community involvement, diversity, or empowerment.

Judite resides in Dartmouth with her husband Tony and daughter Simone. Along with her husband, they own Inner Bay Cafe in New Bedford, MA. She is extremely involved at Discovery Language Academy doing fundraisers and being the homeroom mom for her daughters class. She is a member of the PTO as well as the Assistant Coordinator for the Discovery Language Academy Folkloric Group.

Lucilia lives in Acushnet and has worked at Acushnet Rubber Company since 1994 as a Lab Technician and Quality Auditor. She is extremely proud of her two daughters who both graduated for the Discovery Language Academy. She is a member of the Scholarship Committee for the American Maritime Heritage Society, as well as a member of the Board of Helping Hands of Farmers, which is a partner of St. Jude. Lucilia is also a member of several Rowing and Sailing teams in the area. She enjoys volunteering in the community and is extremely proud of city and it’s Portuguese Culture.