Elizabeth Duran
Elizabeth Duran is a first-generation Latina educator, nonprofit founder, and educational leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people in the Bronx. She currently serves as a Science ENL and Special Education Teacher with the New York City Department of Education and is the Founder and Executive Director of Brilizfy, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering Bronx youth through leadership, community-driven initiatives, and educational access. With more than thirteen years of experience in education, Duran has built a career centered on making science accessible to students who face systemic barriers, particularly English Language Learners and students receiving Special Education services. Her work is driven by the belief that every student deserves an environment where they are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Throughout her career, Duran has taken on numerous leadership roles that extend beyond the classroom. She has served as a NYCDOE Learning Partners Model Teacher, Urban Advantage Lead Teacher in partnership with the Bronx Zoo, and Partner SiR Teacher with the New York Academy of Sciences. Earlier in her career, she also served as a Campus Coordinator for Teach For America, where she helped develop students’ leadership skills through mentorship, community projects, and service-based learning initiatives. In her current role, she leads innovative programs that blend traditional academics with social-emotional development. Duran oversees a leadership course where students learn to responsibly use tools such as artificial intelligence to support research, storytelling, and script editing for their projects, helping them build critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy skills.
One of Duran’s most distinctive initiatives is her school’s emotional support dog program, designed to support student wellness and strengthen social-emotional learning. Her Yorkshire Terrier, Kobe, joins her at school daily, working alongside the counseling team and visiting classrooms—especially with sixth graders—to help students build confidence and emotional awareness. Now in his second year with the school, Kobe is also part of an after-school dog club where students learn how to interact with animals, express their emotions, and develop social skills. The program continues the legacy of Chewy, another Yorkie who served the school community from 2020 until retiring at age 14. Duran even incorporates Kobe into her science lessons, using his family tree to teach genetics in a fun and relatable way. Guided by mentorship from leaders such as Tracy Ellis-Ward, a senior executive at the NBA, and inspired by the resilience of her mother, Elizabeth, Duran remains deeply committed to creating innovative, hands-on learning experiences that empower students to grow academically, emotionally, and as leaders within their communities.
• Advanced Certificate: Bilingual Extension
• NSRF-Certified Critical Friends Group Coach
• Understanding Trauma: Trauma Sensitivity Asynchronous Training
• Digital Accessibility Certification
• Amplify: Science Reaching All Learners 6-8 Training
• New York Knicks Science of Basketball Teacher Workshop
• Ruler Institute for Creating Emotionally Intelligent Schools Training Certification
• Gonzaga University - BA, International Studies, Art and Spanish
• Fordham University - Masters in Teaching Exceptional Adolescents: Generalist 7-12
• Lehman College - Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• NYC Big Apple Awards Finalist
• Fund for Teachers Teaching Fellow
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother, Elizabeth, whose strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in the value of education shaped who I am today. As a first-generation Latina, I learned early on from her example the importance of perseverance, hard work, and giving back to the community. She instilled in me the confidence to pursue my goals and the responsibility to use my education and leadership to create opportunities for others. Her guidance continues to inspire my work as an educator and nonprofit leader dedicated to empowering young people and helping them realize their full potential.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to never give up on your dreams. Your passion is one of your greatest strengths, and when you stay committed to what inspires you, it can open incredible doors. Be intentional about building relationships and networking with people who share your interests and values, as those connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and new opportunities. Also, use social media as a positive and strategic tool it can be a powerful way to connect with professionals, share your work, and amplify your voice within your industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, authenticity, self-respect, loyalty, community, and resilience. I believe in leading with honesty and staying true to who I am, while maintaining the self-respect needed to set boundaries and uphold strong principles. Loyalty and a deep commitment to community are central to my work as an educator and leader, as I believe meaningful change happens when we support and uplift one another. Resilience is equally important, as it allows me to navigate challenges, continue growing, and remain dedicated to empowering others even in the face of obstacles.
Locations
Brilizfy
Newburgh, NY 10911