BHCC Alum Bridging Gaps for Spanish-Speaking Communities

When Elizabeth Amador arrived at BHCC, she was seeking the tools to make a difference. After working in childcare at Massachusetts General Hospital, she enrolled in a Child Development course and soon discovered BHCC’s Human Services program, where her passion for helping others took shape.

“The program gave me the foundation to understand people’s needs, to listen, and to respond with empathy,” Amador said. Inspired by faculty such as Pamela Schmidt, she earned her associate’s and later bachelor’s in human services from Northeastern University through a BHCC transfer agreement.

Today, as a SNAP supervisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Amador oversees daily operations for her unit, guiding case managers, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, and supporting staff with policy and procedural counsel.

She noticed many Spanish-speaking residents struggling to access public benefits due to language barriers and limited guidance. Determined to help, she began sharing clear, accessible information about housing, food assistance, immigration updates, and other essential resources on social media.

What started as small efforts on WhatsApp and Facebook grew into a statewide lifeline through her public Instagram page. “During the pandemic, people needed help more than ever,” she said. “Social media became a powerful way to reach those being left behind.”

Through her outreach, families have secured more than $432K in rental assistance, and Amador has organized baby formula drives and connected followers with free legal and mental health resources.

She ensures every message is verified and culturally sensitive. “Being part of the Hispanic community allows me to understand the challenges families face,” she says. 

Her advice to students: “If you feel a passion to make a difference, act on it. Every small effort matters.”