Fort Morgan, CO 5/18/2020. Morgan Community College (MCC) recently hired Margarita (Maggie) Camacho and Mohamed (Mo) Darar as faculty for the college’s new Multicultural Entrepreneur Program. Camacho and Darar will provide instruction to Spanish- and Somali-speaking students interested in opening or expanding a business. The program is designed to provide support to individuals who may have language barriers that hinder their ability to access education or community support necessary to achieve business success. Classes for the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program will begin summer 2020, with classes beginning as early as June 1, 2020. Students can apply at MorganCC.edu/apply.
The Multicultural Entrepreneur Program will offer one-year certificates based on the immediate needs of the student, including Rural Business Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis, Market Plan Development, Records & Business Planning, Advanced Business Management, and Leadership/Human Resources Management. Each certificate requires six courses, for a total of 18 credit hours.
“MCC was very fortunate to receive funding from the Colorado Health Foundation that enables the college to hire faculty for this program,” stated Andrea L’Heureux, Dean of Workforce Development. “Maggie and Mo bring both expertise and passion to support the entrepreneurial spirit and business growth in our community. The grant also provides scholarships for students, helping remove financial barriers.”
“We believe this program model is a unique way to serve our diverse community,” said Dr. Curt Freed, President of MCC. “As a comprehensive community college, our mission is to serve the broader needs of the region, and with Maggie and Mo, we have some incredible work ahead of us.”
Maggie Camacho holds a B.S. in Communications from the University of Colorado at Denver, and has over twenty years of experience working in the banking industry. Camacho’s experience in business development and administration will serve as a valuable resource for students.
“Akron, Colorado is home,” stated Camacho. “After two decades in the Denver metro area, it was time to put my experience to use and make a difference in my hometown region. Our rural communities have so much hidden talent. I am proud to be in a position to help aspiring entrepreneurs start their own business and help existing entrepreneurs enhance their skills. I want to help showcase those talents, especially now when our economies need it most.”
Mo Darar received his M.A. in International Relations and Conflict Resolution from American Public University and a B.A. in English Literature from Yemenia University. Darar’s experience in adult education includes teaching Political Science, International Economics, and International Relations classes at Aims Community College and most recently supporting Fort Morgan’s Somali community.
The faculty will be located at MCC’s 300 Main Street facility in Fort Morgan, Colorado, providing easy access to students and the community. Students interested in enrolling in the program or to learn more about scholarships can contact one of three MCC staff, depending on the language support needed:
- English – Leah Thomas, Faculty and Program Coordinator; [email protected] or (970) 542-3260
- Spanish – Maggie Camacho, Multicultural Entrepreneur Business Faculty; [email protected] or (970) 542-3262
- Somali/French – Mo Darar, Multicultural Entrepreneur Business Faculty; [email protected] or (970) 542-3161.
For more information about Morgan Community College, visit www.morgancc.edu or call 970-542-3100.
About the Colorado Health Foundation:
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building. For more information, please visit www.coloradohealth.org.
