This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Karla Elizalde (she/her)! Karla has been in Vermont for 5 years and is currently living in Lyndonville. She works as a high school Spanish teacher in St. Johnsbury and is pursuing a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction to continue growing as an educator. Karla is motivated by seeing her students gain confidence, sharing Spanish music and culture, and creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and excited to learn.
Tell us a bit about your background before arriving in VT and what brought you to the state.
I am from a small town in Ecuador, about an hour from the city of Guayaquil. In 2018, I was working in my first professional role after college as an ESL teacher at a private high school in Guayaquil when I met my husband, who was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. During the pandemic, I came to visit him in Vermont and ended up making the state my home.
How did you get into your career?
My aunt, who has always been one of the most important people in my life, dedicated much of her life to teaching. She shaped young lives with compassion and dedication. Growing up with her influence made education feel meaningful and purposeful, and it inspired me to follow in her footsteps.
Why are you a member of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network?
I see VT POC as a meaningful community where I can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their stories and experiences in Vermont. It also allows me to build connections with other Latino professionals and members of different communities across the state.
What aspects of life in VT do you find most fulfilling? What about your professional life here stands out to you?
Vermont has shown me the power of community. From local events to everyday interactions, I’ve experienced kindness and a genuine sense of belonging. In my professional life, I work with people who not only support me but also value my background and the perspective I bring, allowing me to grow with confidence and purpose.
Looking back, what advice would you have appreciated receiving about being a professional of color in VT before you arrived?
To actively seek out professional events and networking opportunities in Vermont. These spaces not only help build meaningful connections but also open doors to job opportunities that might otherwise be hard to find.
What are some challenges that you’ve faced on a professional level since living in VT?
One of the main professional challenges I have faced in Vermont is the lack of diversity in workplaces and professional spaces. At times, this has meant being one of the few individuals from a different cultural background in meetings, trainings, or networking events, which can feel isolating.
Can you share any strategies or resources that have helped you overcome these challenges?
Finding and engaging with diversity-focused groups through social media and attending the VT POC gatherings has been incredibly helpful.
Tell us about the work you’re currently doing and what drives you in your profession!
I work as a high school Spanish teacher in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, and I am currently pursuing a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction to continue growing as an educator. What motivates me most is seeing my students gain confidence as they learn to speak a new language, sharing music and culture with them, and creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and excited to learn about different Spanish-speaking cultures.
What future opportunities do you see for your industry, particularly in the context of the state?
I see growing opportunities for language education and culturally responsive teaching in Vermont as schools place more value on global awareness, diversity, and inclusion.
In your opinion, how can VT better support its BIPOC residents, both
professionally and personally?
Creating visible spaces for cultural connection and celebration would make a meaningful impact. Community-centered events and open conversations about identity and belonging can help people feel genuinely welcomed and valued.
Have you had any mentors or support networks in VT? How have they
impacted your journey?
I have been fortunate to connect with supportive colleagues and community members in Vermont who have offered guidance, encouragement, and space to grow. Their mentorship has helped me navigate both professional challenges and the experience of building a life in a new place. Having people who listen and genuinely want to see you succeed makes a meaningful difference.
Can you share an experience in VT that highlighted your cultural identity?
Attending a Hispanic cultural celebration in Montpelier was a deeply meaningful experience for me. I felt emotional and incredibly proud watching performances, from poetry to live music, that honored and celebrated Hispanic culture. Being surrounded by that joy, music, and shared identity reminded me of home and reinforced how important it is to create spaces where culture is visible and valued.
What role does community play in your life here, and how have you engaged with the local BIPOC community?
Community really means a lot to me here. Vermont is beautiful, but it can feel isolating at times, especially when I miss home, speaking my native language, or sharing the traditions I grew up with. Connecting with diverse community groups, especially through VTPOC gatherings, has given me a genuine sense of belonging. Being able to share space with people who understand those experiences and backgrounds has been comforting and deeply meaningful.
What aspects of your culture do you see reflected in the Vermont community, and what aspects do you feel are missing?
I see a strong sense of friendliness and a close-knit community in Vermont. People are often willing to lend a hand, sometimes even without knowing you personally. That spirit resonates with me. However, I believe there is still room for more visible and consistent celebrations of the diverse cultures within BIPOC communities. Expanding and supporting those cultural spaces would help foster deeper connection and representation.
What advice would you give to young BIPOC professionals starting their careers in Vermont?
I would encourage them to seek out community early and intentionally. Finding even a small network of support can make a significant difference. Be proud of your identity, bring your full self into every space you enter. Building connections takes time, but there are people and spaces here that are ready to welcome you.
How do you balance your professional life with personal interests and self-care?
Spending time outdoors is essential for me. I enjoy walking or jogging along quiet backroads where I can take in the mountain views, and during the summer, I love exploring new hiking trails and lakes. Being in nature helps me recharge, reflect, and maintain balance between my professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
