Ana M. Garcia
Ana M. Garcia is an ESL Newcomer Teacher at Jefferson Parish Schools and the founder of Ana in Nola LLC, a creative venture celebrating cultural diversity through bilingual apparel and designs. Based in Metairie, Louisiana, Ana combines her bilingual fluency in Spanish and English with a passion for teaching, creativity, and community connection.
She supports high school students navigating a new language and culture, creating safe and welcoming classrooms that foster confidence, inclusion, and success. Outside the classroom, Ana is a content creator, sharing her experiences, insights, and designs to inspire and connect with a broader audience.
Through her work as an educator, entrepreneur, and creator, Ana strives to empower students, unite communities, and celebrate the richness of cultural exchange. Her journey reflects a commitment to learning, creativity, and meaningful connection — proving it’s never too late to find your passion and make an impact.
• Wilmington University - BS, Communication and Media Studies
• Cum Laude
• Make-A-Wish America
• American Heart Association
• Alzheimer's Association®
• Special Olympics
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of passion, resilience, and empathy. My passion drives me to continually grow, whether it’s mastering new teaching strategies, exploring creative design ideas for Ana in Nola, or building my skills as a content creator. Resilience helps me navigate challenges, from supporting newcomer students adjusting to a new culture to balancing multiple professional pursuits. But above all, empathy is at the heart of everything I do: understanding the experiences of my students, my audience, and the community allows me to connect meaningfully, inspire confidence, and create work that truly resonates.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead by example, always be a team player, and carry yourself with confidence and integrity. I strive to stand tall and proud in every situation, never allowing myself to be intimidated by others, and focusing instead on collaboration, professionalism, and consistent excellence in my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow your passions, stay resilient, and embrace opportunities. Build connections, celebrate diversity, and let your creativity guide you. Believe in yourself, it’s never too late to discover your purpose and make a meaningful impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Adapting to a new language and culture can be tough for students, but it’s a chance to innovate, foster belonging, and make learning both impactful and inspiring.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are empathy, integrity, and connection. Empathy guides how I interact with students, clients, and my audience, ensuring I listen, understand, and create a supportive environment. Integrity keeps me accountable to my commitments and consistent in the quality of my work. Connection drives everything I do — from fostering cultural exchange in the classroom to uniting communities through Ana in Nola LLC and my content creation. These values help me stay true to my purpose while making a meaningful impact in both my professional and personal life.
Locations
Entrepreneur
Metairie, LA 70003