We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Isabel Eliaschev and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Isabel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I view risk as a pathway to growth, learning, and success. Through risk, we gain deep insights into ourselves, drawing on every ounce of our common sense, strength, and resilience. While taking risks often involves fear—the fear of being wrong, failing, or not succeeding—it is through these challenges that we truly measure our capabilities. In moments of fear, I remind myself that my most valuable life and career lessons have come from embracing risk. By seeing the possibility of failure as a learning opportunity, I believe the chances of success become higher. This makes taking risks undeniably worthwhile.
I have taken many risks during my professional career, the most recent being my decision to accept the Head of School position at Alpharetta International Academy (AIA) in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic had presented significant challenges, nearly causing AIA to close its doors in 2020. When I assumed the role, my first job was to spearhead the school’s post-pandemic recovery and expansion. I took this huge professional risk because I recognized the school’s potential and had a clear vision for its turnaround. My initiatives included implementing a comprehensive K-8 Spanish and multicultural curriculum, creatively remodeling the building despite limited funds, and establishing a cross-country team.
In 2022, recognizing the community’s need for a middle school program, I began developing one for AIA, scheduled to launch in August 2024. In its 40-year history, AIA had never offered a middle school program. This May, I am proud to announce that AIA graduated its first class of 6th graders, who will become the inaugural students of the new middle school program. The program will offer opportunities such as participation in Model UN and will emphasize Spanish proficiency with daily advanced Spanish classes, building on the Spanish curriculum I introduced during my first year as Head of School.
Achieving this milestone is particularly significant, as it is rare for a Latina, especially a former ESL student, to lead an educational institution and guide it through a successful recovery. The launch of the AIA middle school this August stands as a monumental professional accomplishment and a testament to the fact that taking risks helps break barriers and achieve success.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Head of School, athlete, and educator.
I am an energetic, skilled Latina bilingual leader with twenty years of experience in education, currently serving as the Head of School at Alpharetta International Academy, an authentic Montessori School catering to students aged 18 months to 9th grade. The school has over 42 years of service to the Alpharetta community and is graced by two beautifully remodeled buildings surrounded by nature adjacent to Webb Bridge Park. However, the road to where I am today was not an easy one.
In 1996, I ventured to the USA in pursuit of an athletic scholarship. My fortune smiled upon me when Coach Edward Levy, that year’s USA Track & Field coach for the Olympic Team, graciously accepted me under his wing. More than a coach, he patiently mentored me daily, recognizing my initial struggle with English proficiency. His support extended to networking on my behalf during track meets. I was offered multiple scholarships and accepted a full athletic scholarship to the New York Institute of Technology. The path may seem charming in retrospect, yet the dedication, rigorous training, and relentless pressure were no trivial matters, as I had to master English collegiate proficiency while excelling on the track at a fiercely competitive level within one year due to my visa.
Therefore, the most valuable lesson I learned through my journey, and the one I would like to share with readers, is to DREAM BIG, HAVE A GOAL, BELIEVE, and DO NOT GIVE UP, no matter the daunting hurdles that lie ahead, and always find ways to GIVE BACK.
Beyond personal triumph, empowering others is also part of my values and goals. Today, I witness firsthand the profound impact I can have on individuals, whether encouraging them to embrace a healthy lifestyle or staying committed to their education. It’s why I devote a portion of my free time to volunteer work, particularly in uplifting young Latinas. Community reciprocity holds profound significance to me because it is the best way to ensure a healthy society for all. I deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions our Latinx community makes to society, and I recognize, from firsthand experience, the transformative power of mentorship. Through initiatives like Latina Leads US, a non-profit dedicated to fostering leadership skills among young Latinas, we provide support, mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the must-visit destinations in Atlanta is Downtown Alpharetta, renowned for its lively local businesses, exceptional and diverse restaurants, fun events for the whole family and boutique shops. I also love eating authentic Venezuelan food at Arepita Cafe or at the Venezuelan Store, two authentic and amazing Venezuelan restaurants. And if you are Celiac, like me, the best gluten free cinnamon rolls in Atlanta are the ones at Egg Harbor Cafe. They have very friendly servers and gluten free menu
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
New York Pioneer Club: Many who came before me describe the New York Pioneer Club as more than a club but as a state of mind. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, this modest club, led by Mr. Joseph J. Yancey focused on nurturing the minds, souls, and characters of its athletes. The club mission was to empower young Black boys to become scholars, citizens, and athletes—gentlemen first, athletes second. Under the guidance of Coach Edward Levy, who was deeply influenced by the work of Mr. Yancey. I, the first Latina female runner in an all boys club, was trained with the same expectations and standards held for the boys in the club. Through this transformative experience, the New York Pioneer Club instilled in me a state of mind that inspired me to excel as a scholar, a citizen (both literally and metaphorically, as an immigrant from Venezuela), and an athlete.
Website: https://aiamontessori.com
Instagram: aiamontessori
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-eliaschev-ed-d-72041663/
Facebook: Alpharetta International Academy
Image Credits
Ken Rada, Photography
Ben Ko
Media Elite Pro