Tamara’s journey reflects the experience of many immigrants she now serves. She arrived in the United States in 2016 without speaking English and began working in entry-level positions while attending community ESOL classes. Through these programs and the guidance of an English teacher who became her mentor and career coach, she was able to build confidence and advance her career, moving from retail roles into supervisory and banking positions, eventually serving as an assistant branch manager.
After stepping away from her career to focus on motherhood, Tamara reconnected with her former teacher and was introduced to new professional opportunities in adult education. She completed the TESOL Best Practices training through English for New Bostonians and transitioned into teaching English as a Second Language, returning to the same community where she first learned English.
Her passion for supporting immigrants led her to volunteer work as a tutor for learners with limited literacy and as an interpreter in hospitals, schools, and job interviews. Today, Tamara serves as an ESOL Career Coach, in three different languages (English, Portuguese and Spanish) where she supports students in building pathways to education, employment, and long-term stability.
Tamara is originally from Brazil, where she was studying engineering before immigrating to the United States. Her lived experience and professional journey inform her commitment to helping immigrants recognize their potential and access meaningful opportunities in their new communities.
