LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Julie Ryabov was nominated by her principal, Alaaddin Akgul.

Ms. Ryabov is a bright and talented staff member who goes above and beyond any expectations. She impressed Akgul with her willingness to work, despite adjusting to new curriculum and students.

Ms. Ryabov works hard to achieve her objectives and duties. She regularly communicates with parents in Portugese and Spanish, teaching them school procedures and helping them to support their children’s education.

She is critical to helping immigrant families living nearby in an upper middle-class neighborhood in Mandarin South of Jacksonville. The parents often need guidance for their children's education and need to know how to apply for subsidized lunch. 

"She helps Portugese and Spanish speaking families understand the school process," Akgul said. "She helps students address challenges in their own language that would not be possible for them to understand in English."

Ms. Ryabov also works with these families on hurricane preparedness. 

"When she is in the classroom, Julie is very serious about her work. I am extremely pleased with her professionalism. I am very confident Julie is going to be a dedicated and hardworking educator," Akgul said.

Ms. Ryabov leads the demonstration team, a program that encourages young female students to become effective educators. She also specializes in helping English language learners achieve her goals. She is currently learning Russian from her husband, and hopes to help more students in the future.

"I am certain that Julie is going to continue to do great and creative things in her future. She is talented, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits. Julie is truly a stand-out individual who will impress everyone she meets," Akgul said.