Our Stories

Nahir Moyer

Published March 24, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has selected PGCC adjunct faculty member Nahir A. Moyer to participate in the 2024-2025 Virtual English Language Educator Program. As part of this prestigious initiative, Professor Moyer will collaborate with English language learners and teachers in Vietnam, partnering with the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges to enhance the quality of English education in the region.

Professor Moyer has over 20 years of experience in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education and is one of 100 educators chosen for this virtual project. The program enables experienced teachers to work with local teachers and educational professionals in more than 80 countries, improving English instruction and fostering global understanding.

For Moyer, the decision to join the program was driven by personal and professional motivations. “I decided to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Virtual Educator program because I saw it as an invaluable opportunity for professional development and networking,” she said. “It allows me to engage with a diverse group of educators and exchange ideas to enrich my [own] teaching and benefit my students at PGCC.”

Professor Moyer’s career in education began with a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in English language teaching, followed by a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. She has taught at various institutions, including private language schools, online platforms, and teacher-training colleges. She has spent several years focusing on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), workforce preparation, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at the College.

“Being an English as a second language educator, I chose to teach at PGCC because I believe in the power of community colleges to provide accessible and high-quality education to a diverse student population,” Moyer said. “I wanted to be part of an institution that makes a real difference in the lives of its students and the community.”

At PGCC, she has focused on providing engaging and relevant instruction that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers. She is inspired by watching students overcome challenges and grow into confident, capable individuals.

As Moyer begins this new chapter of her career, she also reflects on the significance of her work within the broader context of International Women's Day, celebrated globally on March 8. International Women's Day honors women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements worldwide, and Moyer’s journey as an educator and global ambassador is a testament to the power of women in shaping the future of education.

“This is a special moment for me, especially as we approach International Women's Day,” Professor Moyer said. “Being a woman in education and now contributing to a global effort to improve English language teaching aligns with the values of this day. It’s an honor to be part of a larger movement that celebrates the achievements of women worldwide.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Virtual English Language Educator Program, a key part of its English Language Programs, places educators like Professor Moyer with international institutions to improve English language teaching worldwide. Through this initiative, Moyer will help elevate English instruction in Vietnam, supporting local teachers and learners while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

“I am excited to contribute to this program and make a global impact on English language education,” Professor Moyer said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with educators across cultures, learn from them, and bring those insights back to PGCC.”

For Moyer, this program represents the next step in her lifelong mission to inspire and educate, helping students reach their full potential, no matter where they are in the world.

Florence Nelson

Published March 7, 2025

Florence Nelson, 46, enrolled in Prince George’s Community College after years spent working as a civil servant in the federal government. She was born and raised in Norfolk, VA, but has resided in Prince George’s County for the past 18 years. Two years ago, she pivoted to explore a media career and continues to put her strong advocacy skills to good use at PGCC.

Nelson is a diligent student leader and an active member of eight different student organizations on campus, including the Student Governance Association as senator of Academic Affairs; senior/head staff writer of The Owl News publication; PGCC Debate Team, PGCC Honors Program; Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society; National Society of Leadership and Success; vice president of National Alliance on Mental Health; and vice president of PGCC’s NAACP chapter.

In this interview, Florence shares her path from working at FEMA to finding a new purpose at PGCC.

What was your career path before coming to PGCC?

Nelson: Before enrolling at PGCC, I worked for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an equal employment opportunity specialist (EEO) in their Office of Equal Rights for over 15 years. This involved resolving allegations of discrimination against FEMA officials and ensuring that employees with disabilities had reasonable accommodations. I did this until I was terminated during COVID for speaking out against racial and disability discrimination and for submitting a report to the congressional committee on DHS about the agency's discriminatory practices. 

Explain the origins of your passion for political science and journalism. Why are they both important for modern times? 

Nelson: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Norfolk State University. Initially, my goal was to be a public servant and eventually go to law school. While in undergrad, I was an active member of the Norfolk chapter of the NAACP, worked with my university to promote diversity and affirmative action initiatives that were supported by the Governor of Virginia, and worked to support awareness and education of mental health and advocacy programs. We are in uncharted territory and experiencing the impact of the government's erosion of our inalienable rights through executive orders. 

My passions for journalism and justice are so important for modern times because the current laws and policies designed to ensure equality and equitable treatment for Americans under those laws will detrimentally impact future generations if protective measures are not put in place to uphold them. Now is the time for leaders to lead and for new leaders to emerge, which I have been called to do.

What inspired you to enroll at PGCC, and how has it impacted your life?

Nelson: I was inspired to enroll at PGCC because after being terminated from FEMA, I wanted to forge a new career path, one where I was self-sufficient and did not rely on any company or agency to sustain employment. PGCC is the perfect place to "refresh" and forge new career paths, as there are plenty of resources and an array of majors and certifications to select from that are cost-effective and easy to complete. I always liked writing and believed I was good at it, so it was easy for me to decide journalism would be my major.

So far, deciding to enroll at PGCC has been the best decision of my professional career, possibly the best decision ever! It has impacted my life in such a positive way that I now have faith that I will accomplish my long-term goals. 

You recently participated in Student Advocacy Day on behalf of PGCC. Why do you think community colleges are essential? What did this outreach initiative mean to you?

Nelson: It was an honor to not only participate in Student Advocacy Day on behalf of PGCC but also to serve as the student speaker advocating for funding for all community colleges in the state of Maryland. Community colleges are more important than ever before; they are life-changing for many but also lifesaving as well.

As a student with a disability, the resources available to me at PGCC make a world of difference. While I have no problem advocating for myself and speaking up when needed, it means nothing if I am unable to get the necessary help. PGCC allows me to access viable resources needed to live. That's the meaning of outreach for me. 

What do you look forward to most about your future academic and career goals?

Nelson: I am presented with a real opportunity to make a considerable impact on society after graduating from PGCC and I am most excited to do so. Currently, I'm looking into graduate programs for journalism and to expand on personal projects I've started since attending PGCC. 

What is the best part about being a student at PGCC?

Nelson: What's often overlooked and not really discussed when considering going to a community college are the professors, faculty, and staff teaching at these institutions. Since enrolling at PGCC, I have met wonderful people that I would not have met otherwise or even had the opportunity to be in professional circles to meet them. Networking is just as important as completing the degree, so capitalizing on that is crucial post-graduation.