Her Story
About Carmen
Carmen Porras, MBA, is an accomplished early childhood educator whose career reflects a unique combination of business leadership, community engagement, and a deep commitment to children's development. After a successful career in corporate affairs, external relations, and community relations with Procter & Gamble in Costa Rica, she embraced a fulfilling second career in education. Following several years dedicated to raising her children and caring for aging parents, Carmen returned to higher education to pursue early childhood studies, transforming her passion for nurturing young learners into a rewarding profession. Today, she serves as a Lead Preschool Teacher at Geneva Day School in Potomac, Maryland, while also teaching Spanish to preschool-aged children on Saturdays at Escuela Argentina, where she creates engaging, bilingual learning experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation.
Carmen brings more than eight years of experience in early childhood education, combining her strong educational background with exceptional classroom leadership. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing, a master's degree in Finance, and additional studies in early childhood education. Her diverse professional background has equipped her with outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills, which she applies to creating supportive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Beyond the classroom, Carmen has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to youth development through volunteer service, including three years as a Head Coach for Girls on the Run, where she helped young girls build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
Carmen attributes her success to the meaningful relationships she builds with her students. She believes that young children often communicate their needs through their behaviors, and she takes pride in her ability to recognize, understand, and respond to those needs with empathy, patience, and genuine care. By fostering trust, mutual respect, and a nurturing classroom culture, she creates an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Guided by the principles of integrity and transparency, Carmen believes authenticity is the foundation of effective teaching and that every child deserves an educator who approaches them with honesty, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their growth and well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carmen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the genuine care and dedication I bring to every child I work with. Building meaningful connections with young children is at the heart of effective early childhood education. Because they are still developing the ability to express their thoughts and emotions through words, I strive to understand the messages behind their behaviors and recognize when they are communicating an unmet need. By approaching each child with empathy, patience, and understanding, I create a supportive classroom environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. The trust and affection my students develop for me are a reflection of the same care and commitment I invest in them every day.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field of early childhood education is to trust in yourself and your abilities. Believe in the value you bring, continue learning, and remain confident in your purpose. As your experience grows, focus on building a strong professional network of mentors, colleagues, and supporters who will encourage your development and open new opportunities. With self-confidence, dedication, and the right support system, you can build a meaningful and rewarding career.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value I hold most closely in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being honest, transparent, and genuine in every interaction, especially when working with young children. Children have a remarkable ability to recognize authenticity and can often sense when someone truly cares about their well-being. By approaching every relationship with sincerity, compassion, and trust, I create meaningful connections that foster a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment where children feel valued and understood.
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