Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Hurst.
Hi Betsy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
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 both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Johnson University, with my master’s focused on Leadership, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management. I also have several years of experience working in education, particularly teaching English as a Second Language to both children and adults.
Growing up in Costa Rica, education was both a priority and a challenge. Although school was considered “free,” there were still registration fees, textbooks, supplies, and uniforms to pay for. With four children at home, this was a significant burden. 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. I attended both high school and a technical school, where I earned a certification as an office assistant. That allowed me to start working, contribute to my family, and continue my education.
During this time, I was also involved in my local church and youth ministry. It was there that I met my husband, Jeff, during a mission trip. We worked together on a project to build a basketball court for youth in the community. After several trips and working side by side, we grew close, and eventually I moved to Tennessee.
Arriving in Tennessee in 2002 was a completely new beginning. My education from Costa Rica did not transfer, so I had to start from scratch. My first year as an immigrant was challenging—I didn’t know anyone and felt isolated. I asked my husband to take me to the tomato farms in our area so I could meet people and build a community. I lived in Grainger County, worked briefly in the tomato fields, and began forming relationships with migrant workers. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges many immigrant families face—language barriers, economic hardship, and starting over from zero.
From there, I worked to rebuild my education. I earned my GED, then completed my associate degree at Walters State Community College as a K–12 teacher, all while continuing to work full-time. Years later, I decided to change my focus, since my background had been in business. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, with the hope of finding a position where I could manage a nonprofit that provides educational programs and make a meaningful difference in the community. I later completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Johnson University, with my master’s focused on Leadership.
I share my story because I want young people and families in our community to know that dreams really do come true. The journey may not be easy, but with hard work, perseverance, and support, it is possible. Education is one of the most powerful tools we can have—it opens doors and creates opportunities.
This journey is also why I am so passionate about HOLA Lakeway. I want our community to have access to education, to feel supported, and to know we are here to help them reach their goals. Through our programs, we are weaving connections, empowering families, and creating a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their dreams.
It is truly an honor to serve the Lakeway community, and I hope my story inspires others to keep working toward their goals and dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
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 needed to feel like I belonged, so I tried to build relationships with a few women from the church. Thanks to their support—and the support of my husband and mother-in-law—I was not alone. However, I still didn’t feel that sense of belonging, and I wondered if other newcomers were feeling the same way.
I wanted to create a group for immigrant women to study the Bible or simply have a safe place where we could begin building community. I asked my husband to take me to the tomato farms so I could meet some of the local migrant workers. For a short time, I worked in the tomato fields myself and built relationships with the women there. Working in the fields helped me form meaningful friendships and gave me a profound respect for the hard work that farmers do every day. 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 having to start 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.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
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
Solidarity – standing together with our multicultural families and walking beside them through every challenge and success
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 Rural East Tennessee.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a quiet and timid child, and I struggled in school, especially with math and reading. My mom recognized that I needed extra support, so she helped me find tutors and encouraged me to keep going. Even though learning didn’t come easily at first, I was always a dreamer with a vivid imagination and creativity. My mind was busy, always exploring new ideas, imagining different places, and dreaming of a better future for myself.
As a young woman, I became very focused and goal-oriented, motivated by my desire to succeed and create opportunities that my parents never had. My mom taught me to be strong, resilient, and persistent, and to stay committed to my goals no matter the obstacles.
Along the way, there were people who doubted me or said I wouldn’t make it. I also struggled with attention challenges that weren’t recognized at the time, so I sometimes got distracted or frustrated. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized I had attention difficulties, but I learned to develop strategies, persevere, and keep moving forward.
Looking back, my imagination, creativity, and dreams, combined with perseverance, shaped who I am today. They gave me resilience and determination, and they fuel my passion to help others overcome barriers, especially in education, so they too can reach their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: holalakeway@gmail.com
- Instagram: hola_lakeway
- Facebook: HOLA Lakeway
