Molli K. Fleming is the fourth recipient of Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.’s (MEO) Enlace Hispano Program César Chávez Award. The award was given on April 2, during the annual César Chávez Luncheon at MEO’s Family Center in Wailuku. The annual award recognizes those who help the Hispanic community in the spirit of Chávez, the United Farm Workers co-found-er.

Fleming, a Spanish teacher at Maui Community College, also helps immigrants learn English through a unique program involving her college students. She invites non-English speakers and students to an informal get-together where they practice speaking Spanish and the Spanish speakers learn English from native programs.

“For this and for her many contributions to the Hispanic Community, Molli Fleming epitomizes the qualities that César Chávez stood for,” said MEO Executive Director Sandy Baz.

Fleming said the award “touched a very deep spot in me.” In her acceptance of the honor, Fleming told an emotional story about living in Southern California and wanting to attend a farm worker rally where the famous labor leader was scheduled to speak. However, her family did not think that was appropriate for a 12-year-old.

“It’s been gratifying, as a Spanish language teacher, to have the major boom in the Hispanic community here on Maui,” said Fleming. “Teaching Spanish here [before] was like teaching Latin: no students.”

In addition to community college students and the members of the Hispanic community who meet regularly to sharpen their foreign language skills, the program also attracts professionals who want to immerse themselves in a non-professional environment to improve language skills.

Fleming shared credit with Hilde Schapp, Ginger Reinke and Annette Dadez. She also attributed much of the program success to the efforts of Jesus Baldazar, who, by recruiting members of the Hispanic community, helped the program reach more people.

Past recipients have been MEO employees: Cesar Gaxiola, Silvia Naiberg and Carlos Hernandez.

Councilmembers Gladys Baisa and Mike Victorino presented a resolution honoring the work Fleming has done for the community.