Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Bonilla Jimenez-Hurst.
Hi Betsy Bonilla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Betsy Bonilla Jimenez-Hurst, and I am originally from Costa Rica. I have lived in Tennessee for 23 years, and today I serve as the Executive Director of HOLA Lakeway. I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration – Leadership, as well as two bachelor’s degrees—one in Nonprofit Organizations Management and another in Bible Studies. I also have several years of experience working in education, particularly teaching English as a Second Language to both children and adults.
My journey began in San José, Costa Rica, where education was both a priority and a challenge. Although school was considered “free,” we still had to pay registration fees, buy textbooks, supplies, and uniforms. With four children at home, it was a significant financial strain. My mom worked incredibly hard—selling flowers and bread, cleaning offices, and working in a restaurant—to give us opportunities she never had. She didn’t have the chance to attend high school, so she made sure we did.
Because of our financial limitations, I chose a technical path in high school through a dual enrollment program. This allowed me to attend both high school and a technical school, where I earned a certification as an office assistant. That certification helped me start working, pursue further education, and support my family.
During this time, I was also very involved in my local church and youth ministry. This is where I met my husband, Jeff. He visited Costa Rica on a mission trip, and we worked together on a project building a basketball court for youth in the community. After several mission trips and working side by side, our relationship grew, and eventually I moved to Tennessee.
Arriving in Tennessee in 2002 was a completely new beginning. I faced the reality that my education did not transfer here, so I had to start from zero. My first month as an immigrant was especially difficult—I didn’t know anyone, and I felt very isolated. I asked my husband to take me to the tomato farms in our area so I could meet people and feel connected. I live in Grainger County, and for a short time, I worked in the tomato fields. This experience helped me build relationships with migrant workers and understand firsthand the challenges many immigrant families face.
From there, I worked toward rebuilding my education. I earned my GED, enrolled at Walters State Community College, continued working full-time, and eventually completed my bachelor’s degrees and later my master’s degree.
I share this part of my story because I want young people in our community to know that dreams really do come true. The journey may not be easy, but with hard work, perseverance, and a supportive community, it is possible. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have—it opens doors and creates opportunities. I want our youth and families to know that this country offers real opportunities, and that equitable access to education matters deeply.
This personal journey is one of the reasons I am so passionate about HOLA Lakeway. I want our community members to feel supported, to continue learning, and to know we are here to help them reach their goals. It is an honor for me to serve the Lakeway community, and my hope is that my story will encourage others to keep moving toward their dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been full of challenges, but each one has shaped who I am today and the work I do.
One of my biggest struggles came when I first arrived in Tennessee. I came to a new country where I didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak English fluently, and didn’t understand the system. The education I earned in Costa Rica didn’t transfer here, so I had to start completely over. That was emotionally difficult—I went from being a trained office assistant in my home country to realizing I needed to take the GED just to begin again.
My first year as an immigrant was also very isolating. I didn’t have friends or a support network, and I felt alone. That’s why I asked my husband to take me to the tomato farms, because I just needed community. For a short time, I worked in the tomato fields and built relationships with migrant workers. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges many immigrant families face—lack of support systems, language barriers, economic hardship, and the feeling of starting from zero.
Another struggle was pursuing my education while working full-time. I had to balance jobs, school, and learning a new language all at once. There were many moments when I wanted to quit, especially because I didn’t have the financial support or traditional path many students have. Every degree I earned required sacrifice, long nights, and determination.
Even as a nonprofit leader, the journey hasn’t been easy. Building programs from the ground up, supporting families with complex needs, and navigating limited resources requires constant creativity and perseverance.
But despite all these challenges, each struggle helped me grow stronger and more committed to serving my community. Those difficult moments taught me empathy, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the power of education and community support. They are the reason I do what I do today at HOLA Lakeway.
As you know, we’re big fans of HOLA Lakeway. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
HOLA Lakeway is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting multicultural families in the Lakeway region through education, empowerment, and community connection. Our mission is to open doors—especially in areas where language, cultural barriers, or lack of access have limited opportunities.
We specialize in providing high-quality educational programs for both adults and children, including:
ESL classes for adults
HISET/GED preparation
Youth and Children’s Programs focused on literacy, academic support, STREAM learning, and mental wellness
Parent support, navigation, and workforce guidance
Cultural programs including art, family engagement, and hands-on projects
Community outreach and connections to essential services
At HOLA Lakeway, we think of our work as weaving—connecting people, families, and the broader community together. Every program, every activity, every relationship we build is like a thread, contributing to a larger tapestry of trust, support, and belonging. This concept of weaving isn’t just symbolic; it guides how we design our programs and approach our work. We help families feel connected, supported, and empowered to reach their goals, while also fostering a strong, interwoven community.
What sets HOLA Lakeway apart is that we are not just an organization—we are a community hub built by and for immigrant families. Many of our staff have lived the immigrant experience themselves, and we deeply understand the challenges our families face. We meet people where they are, in their language, with dignity and respect. We build trust first, and everything else grows from that foundation.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust our community places in us. Families often describe HOLA Lakeway as a “second home,” and that is the greatest honor we can receive. Our brand is rooted in:
Equity – believing everyone deserves access to opportunities
Community – building strong, supportive relationships
Empowerment – helping individuals achieve their goals
Cultural pride – honoring and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our families
For readers who may not know us yet, I want them to understand that HOLA Lakeway is more than a service provider. We are a bridge—connecting families to education, resources, and a sense of belonging. Whether someone is learning English, preparing for a career, helping their child read, or seeking support, we are here to walk with them every step of the way.
Our hope is to continue expanding opportunities, strengthening families, and ensuring that every person—no matter their background—has the chance to thrive in East Tennessee.
What’s next?
I have bold, transformative plans for HOLA Lakeway, and I am deeply committed to bringing them to life. One of my biggest goals is for HOLA to have its own building—a permanent, welcoming space where families of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and thrive. This space would allow us to expand our programs, provide more resources, and create a true home for our community.
At the same time, I want HOLA to continue providing high-quality programs for both children and adults—programs that are effective, culturally responsive, and empowering. Whether it’s literacy, language learning, youth development, or family support, our goal is to offer programs that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Ultimately, my vision is for HOLA to weave stronger connections, empower families, and create a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their dreams. I want HOLA Lakeway to be a beacon of hope, opportunity, and possibility, transforming lives and strengthening our community every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holalakeway.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hola_lakeway/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOLALakeway/
