Allyson Berríos de Gacharná, Ed.S.

When I first stepped into my kindergarten classroom in 2006, I had no idea that those early experiences, guiding first letters and celebrating small victories, would lead to nearly two decades of service in education. Today, as I celebrate 19 years with the School District of Palm Beach County, I’m proud of a career grounded in passion, perseverance, and purpose. Every classroom moment, from early literacy lessons to mentoring new educators, has shaped my commitment to helping students reach their fullest potential. My journey has evolved beyond teaching into advocacy and leadership. My love for language and culture inspired me to serve as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I taught TESOL courses for future educators. Now, as Program Planner of Instruction for Hispanic/Latino Studies, I develop bilingual instructional resources and tools that bring Florida’s state mandate 1003.42(q) on Hispanic contributions to life. This role allows me to merge my dedication to education with my mission to ensure that every student, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, sees themselves reflected in the story of America. Some of my proudest moments come from seeing former bilingual students thrive in their careers and communities. Their success reminds me that education is a legacy—one that continues to grow long after the classroom lights dim. I remain a lifelong learner and am currently pursuing my doctoral degree at the University of Central Florida.

“The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with purpose, not position.” That advice has shaped everything I do. It reminds me that true leadership is about service, lifting others, creating opportunities for growth, and helping people see the best in themselves. Whether I’m working with teachers, students, or community partners, I try to lead by example through empathy, collaboration, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Success, to me, isn’t measured by titles or recognition but by the impact we create together

My advice to young women entering the field of education is simple: let your passion be your compass. Whether you’re teaching your first class of kindergartners or developing programs for bilingual learners, allow your purpose to guide every decision you make. When challenges arise, as they inevitably will, your “why” will keep you grounded, resilient, and inspired. Use your voice to uplift others. For me, that has meant supporting bilingual students, advocating for equity in education, and ensuring Hispanic contributions are meaningfully represented in the curriculum. Leadership isn’t defined by titles; it’s defined by the impact you make and the lives you touch along the way.

One of the most pressing challenges in education today is ensuring that bilingual and multicultural students have equitable access to learning opportunities. Too often, language learners are misunderstood or underestimated. Early in my career, I saw how students who were brilliant in their native language sometimes struggled to demonstrate their full potential in English. It wasn’t a lack of ability, it was a lack of understanding within the system. That realization fueled my passion for advocacy, pushing me to champion stronger support programs, more inclusive curriculum practices, and better teacher training to meet the needs of all learners. Another challenge lies in the expectations placed on educators. Teachers are often called to be everything, educators, counselors, mentors, and mediators, often without the resources or recognition they deserve. I’ve seen talented educators burn out under the weight of these expectations, and I’ve faced my own challenges balancing professional demands with personal health. Through those experiences, I learned that self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. It allows us to serve others from a place of strength and sustainability. Representation also remains a critical issue, particularly for Hispanic and Latino educators. Our voices are still underrepresented in leadership spaces. As the Program Planner of Instruction for Hispanic/Latino Studies, I’ve made it my mission to change that narrative. By embedding Hispanic contributions into Florida’s curriculum, we’re not only meeting academic standards, we’re affirming cultural identity and deepening understanding of how Hispanic heritage is woven into the fabric of American history. Every challenge has brought with it a gift of perspective. These experiences have reminded me that education is not just about academics—it’s about advocacy, equity, and humanity. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background or language, feels seen, valued, and capable of greatness.

Resilience and adaptability are among the most important values I carry in both my work and personal life. Health setbacks, systemic barriers, and professional challenges are inevitable, but I believe they shouldn’t define us; they should refine us. Every obstacle has strengthened my resolve to serve others with compassion, perspective, and purpose. Community involvement is also a cornerstone of who I am. As an active member of the Hispanic Education Coalition and the National Association for Bilingual Education, I advocate for equity and inclusion across all levels of education. Beyond the classroom, I’m honored to contribute to Envision MedTech, a nonprofit providing pediatric medical technology to underserved patients, including children in my home country of Honduras. The organization was founded by a former fourth-grade student of mine, which makes my involvement especially meaningful and a reminder of the lasting impact of education. Having survived cancer as a child, I’ve learned that empathy and service are not just professional values, they’re personal commitments. My experiences have deepened my understanding of resilience, strengthened my faith, and continually remind me that every challenge holds the potential to inspire hope and transformation in others.