Elsa Hernandez-Donohue: Leading with Passion and Promoting Inclusivity in International Education

We had the privilege of interviewing Elsa Hernandez-Donohue, an exceptional educator and the head of Vientiane International School in Laos. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in international education, Elsa brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive communities within schools. In this interview, she shares insights into her personal journey, the challenges she faced as a woman in leadership, her role models, and her hopes for a more united and compassionate world.

Laos

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Laos 〰️

A Lifetime of Dedication :

Elsa Hernandez-Donohue, originally from Venezuela but educated from a young age (16) in the United States, discovered her passion for teaching quite serendipitously. Though her family had traditional expectations for her, Elsa found her true calling while volunteering at a preschool center. This experience ignited her love for education and led her down a non-traditional path to becoming an educator.

Overcoming Challenges :

As a woman and a Latina, Elsa acknowledges that she has faced some challenges throughout her career. In a field historically dominated by white males, she occasionally encountered biases and stereotypes during interviews. However, she remains resilient and determined to break barriers. Elsa's unwavering dedication and belief in herself have propelled her forward, inspiring her to support other female teachers in embracing their leadership potential.

Role Models that Shape Lives :

Elsa draws inspiration from her older sister, a trailblazer in their family and community. Against societal norms, her sister pursued a career in medicine and became the only female doctor in her graduating class of over 150 physicians. This extraordinary achievement continues to motivate Elsa, reminding her of the power of perseverance and the impact one can make by defying limitations.

A Fulfilling Journey :

Reflecting on her professional journey, Elsa describes her path as circumstantial, driven by mentorship and encouragement from male mentors. As the head of Vientiane International School, she finds great fulfillment in working with fellow educators to create inclusive learning environments. Elsa emphasizes the importance of empowering female teachers to recognize their leadership capabilities, as she believes in their immense potential to shape the future of education.

Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations :

Looking back, Elsa shares that if she had paid closer attention to the advice of her mentors, she might have embarked on her leadership journey sooner. Nevertheless, she is grateful for her fulfilling career and the impact she has made thus far. Her passion lies in inspiring young girls to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and defy any notion that suggests they cannot achieve greatness.

Towards a More United World :

Elsa's aspirations extend beyond the walls of her school. She hopes for a world that embraces unity, where differences are celebrated and deep listening leads to understanding. By fostering inclusive communities within international schools, she believes we can build a kinder, more compassionate global society. Elsa and her team at Vientiane International School are committed to nurturing an environment that values the dignity of all individuals and cultivates respect and empathy.

Conclusion:

Elsa Hernandez-Donohue's journey in education has been marked by passion, resilience, and a dedication to inclusivity. As a leader in international schools, she strives to empower educators and create environments where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and respected. Her personal experiences as a woman in leadership have fueled her determination to inspire other female teachers to embrace their potential. Elsa's vision for a united world resonates in her work, as she tirelessly advocates for listening, understanding, and nurturing inclusive communities. Her remarkable story serves as an inspiration to educators, students, and aspiring leaders worldwide.