Nitzalis is a Puerto Rican, New York City native. She is a mom of two and a grandmother of two. In her multiple roles, she is an educator, small business owner, fitness instructor, adjunct professor, community leader, Hispanic cultural curator, advocate, and mentor.

In 2009, she relocated to Hagerstown, Maryland, where she currently lives, after visiting the area as part of Rotary International’s Group Study Exchange Program. 

In her 20 years of teaching, Nitzalis has taught English as a Second Language to elementary, middle, and high school students both in Puerto Rico and the United States. In addition to school-aged students, she has also taught adult learners enrolled in her courses, “Diversity in the Classroom” and “Spanish for Educators.” Nitzalis has facilitated professional development workshops and graduate courses for Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown Community College, and Frostburg State University. 

Her passion for advocacy and community service have inspired her to serve as a board member for Discovery Station, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Washington County Teachers Association, and Leadership Washington County, Girl’s on the Run, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. She is a former commissioner for the Washington County Commission for Women and the first Latina TEDx speaker at Washington County’s first TEDx Hagesrtown Women event held at Hagerstown Community College. Just recently, she was appointed to serve on Governor Moore’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

As an entrepreneur, she provides translation and interpretation services to local non-profit organizations, individuals, and private businesses through her small business, Spanish 4 ALL. Nitzalis, a graduate of Leadership Washington County Class of 2022- #35, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary English Education from Central University in Puerto Rico and she a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Frostburg State University. She is currently completing the academic requirements to become a school administrator and plans to open STEPS, A Multicultural Resource Center in hopes of expanding language access to provide education, training, and community services for our rapidly increasing Limited English Proficient Washington County residents.