Her Story
About Damary
Influential Women recognizes Damary Lizardo for the state of Rhode Island!
Damary Lizardo began her career in higher education while still a student at Boston University, where she worked for four years as a peer counselor in the financial aid office. In this role, she supported students and families through the financial aid application process and served as a key point of contact for inquiries. Upon graduating, she was offered a full-time position as an Enrollment Services Advisor, where she continued guiding prospective students and families through both college admissions and financial aid for an additional two years.
She then transitioned to the MGH Institute of Health Professions, a graduate institution focused on healthcare fields, where she gained valuable experience within the Provost’s Office. There, she contributed to high-level institutional operations, coordinated major events, and managed the PhD program. She later moved into Student Affairs as Assistant Director for Student Development, where she oversaw accessibility services and served as the institution’s Title IX Coordinator. In this capacity, she developed a strong foundation in supporting diverse student needs while navigating multiple responsibilities within a small, dynamic office.
Following her time at MGH, Damary joined Harvard Medical School’s Student Affairs Office. There, she managed student residential houses and served as a primary resource for students from orientation through graduation and beyond, helping them navigate the academic environment and build a sense of community.
For the past three years, she has been with Perkins School for the Blind, where she manages two national programs focused on supporting students with disabilities throughout their educational journeys and into higher education. Her work impacts the more than 500 DeafBlind students across five New England states, overseeing coordinated services and supports across the region. In addition, she contributes to national thought leadership through her management of initiatives on topics such as digital math accessibility, college readiness, and the transition to adulthood. Throughout her career, Damary has embraced opportunities that have provided a broad and meaningful perspective on the educational system, consistently deepening her commitment to equity and access for all learners.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Damary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to all the women in my family. My grandmother, mother, and aunts have all shown me the value of hard work and that you truly can juggle motherhood, career, and success beautifully while maintaining family bonds and building community. Everything I have accomplished has been because of the tools they've given me and I'm truly grateful that they paved the way for me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my bosses Rosa told me to always prioritize my family and that stuck with me. Its the opposite of what we hear from traditional career advice but I believe the workplace is gradually evolving to better recognize the humanity behind each role. People are not just employees. We have families, responsibilities, and lives outside of work. That perspective has shaped how I approach my career and leadership, reinforcing the importance of balance, empathy, and understanding in professional spaces. This has also informed how I approach student initiatives, making sure I'm holistic in seeing the students and families I serve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Education is an industry for people who lead with their hearts and are dedicated to making the world a better place. I would advise young women in my field to always remember the importance of their work. Their actions make the world a little brighter, one student at a time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Burnout is huge right now, as well as the uncertainty of funding across a lot of different sectors of education. It feels like things are changing every day and it can be hard for educational professionals to keep up.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value balance, purpose, and empathy in both my work and personal life. Balance is important to me because I believe you can’t show up fully for others if you’re not also taking care of your family and yourself. That’s something I learned early in my career and have carried with me ever since.
Purpose is also a big driver for me. I want the work I do to make a meaningful difference, especially in expanding access and opportunities for students. Knowing that my work has a real impact keeps me motivated and grounded.
Finally, I value empathy. Whether I’m working with students, families, or colleagues, I try to lead with understanding and recognize the human side of every situation. I think that creates stronger relationships and better outcomes both professionally and personally.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Rhode Island
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.