Elizabeth Duran

I attribute my success to my mom, Elizabeth, whose strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in education shaped the woman 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 own goals and, more importantly, the responsibility to use my leadership to create opportunities for others. I carry her name and I carry her heart; her guidance is the foundation of my work as an educator and the driving force behind my nonprofit organization, Brilizfy. My success isn't just my own, it is the continuation of her legacy of service, dedicated to helping Bronx youth find their own passion for service, empowering them to lead community initiatives and give back to the neighborhoods they call home.

The best advice came from my mom is to give back whenever you can and never expect anything in return, the blessings will follow. She taught me to stay humble and always push myself to help the community, regardless of who they are, because you never know the impact a single act of service can have. Professionally, I’ve learned that the most powerful way to lead and network is by being your authentic self. When you are driven by what you are truly passionate about, the right doors open naturally. I’ve built my career on the belief that if you lead with your heart and stay true to your mission, your work will always speak for itself.

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. Lastly, I’ve learned that when used strategically, social media is a powerful tool for good. It allows us to connect with professionals globally, share the impact of our work and amplify voices that often go unheard. For me, it has become a space to network, learn from other leaders and build the digital bridges necessary to scale our mission and reach more youth.

The biggest challenge for me personally is finding the strength to not just celebrate our youth, but to constantly remind them that no matter what they are going through, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. The reality is that my students face so much. As a human, it’s hard to stay optimistic and it’s easy to feel helpless or like what I’m doing isn’t enough. But I’ve learned that it’s often the little things that mean the most to them. I find my inspiration in their resilience, it is truly moving to see everything they overcome just to show up every day. My focus now is on creating platforms and opportunities that amplify their stories, highlighting their brilliance and strength so the world sees them not for their struggles, but for their incredible potential to lead.

The values that guide both my professional and personal life are authenticity, community and resilience. I believe in leading with honesty and staying true to my roots; for me, authenticity means ensuring my work always aligns with my principles and that I never lose sight of the mission that started it all. Community is at the heart of everything I do. Regardless of a person's title or background, I believe everyone deserves the spotlight and appreciation. It truly takes a community to make meaningful change happen, and that change only lasts when we support and uplift one another. There is incredible power in those around us, you never know who you may cross paths with and often, when you least expect it, that support is there to help you achieve your greatest milestones.