Central Catholic’s Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Honored with ALX100 Award for Service to the Community

Central Catholic’s Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Honored with ALX100 Award for Service to the Community

Central Catholic High School’s Mrs. Aliali (Silverio ’97) Belkus, Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, a Methuen, MA resident, was recently recognized for her service to the community by Amplify Latinx at the inaugural ALX100 awards.

The award presentation, which took place at Boston Public Library on September 14, 2023, honored exceptional Latinx leaders across Massachusetts who have demonstrated outstanding excellence and made significant contributions in their respective fields and communities.

“It feels wonderful to have the work that I’ve done in our community recognized,” said Aliali. “I’ve had the privilege of education and I want to be a conduit for others to have access to that same privilege and opportunity,” said Aliali. “Having so many positive role models has allowed me to advocate for my community, and I want to share that with my students and work to advocate for their families so they can support their students through the journey. It’s not work, because I truly enjoy helping people.”

In addition to her important duties as Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Central Catholic, Aliali serves as the moderator for SCOPE, (Students Can Open People’s Eyes), a club that focuses on the celebration of diversity and multiculturalism.

“I strongly believe in Central Catholic’s mission of making Jesus known and loved and educating the whole person for college and for life, with particular care for the least favored and those in need,” said Aliali. “The diversity of Central’s student body, the dedication of our teachers, and the commitment of the administration, creates a positive school culture that instills lasting values in young people. CCHS positively impacted my life and I always encourage our students to bring their authentic selves to school every day.”

Aliali makes time to support many community organizations throughout the City of Lawrence. She also has a wide community connection, collaborating with various organizations including Merrimack College, where she has collaborated to bring the Be the CAUSE Diversity and Leadership Training to CCHS students, faculty and staff.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Sacred Heart University, a master’s degree in English, an ESL Certification from UMASS Boston, and she is currently pursuing a CAGS in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State University.

“The Central Catholic community is particularly proud of Aliali!” said Christopher F. Sullivan ’81, CCHS President. “Her work continues to enrich the lives of young people, and she is a role model for our students, a resource for our staff, and a loving daily reminder that our young people can and will make our world a better place. Ali is very deserving of this special honor and I am proud to call her my colleague and my friend.”

Aliali is also part of a strong CCHS legacy with her husband Jason Belkus ’97, her brother Evan Silverio ’98 and her son Jason D. Belkus ’23. Ali’s mother, Mrs. Julia Silverio, also served as a past Central Catholic Board Member.

Amplify Latinx is a 501c3 nonprofit, non-partisan collaborative convener that is advancing a new era of Latinx prosperity by expanding Latinx leadership across sectors, galvanizing legislative and public support, and championing continual economic mobility.