Zenda Costa

"As the mother of a 16-year-old student, I see in Zenda a rare quality: the ability to build a genuine connection with young people. She doesn't just teach English; she teaches through empathy, trust, and authenticity. Her students feel comfortable participating, sharing their ideas, and even talking about themselves because they know they will be listened to without judgment. This sense of connection makes them feel motivated, engaged, and genuinely interested in learning. At an age when capturing teenagers' attention is not always easy, Zenda succeeds because she first earns their respect and trust. That is an extraordinary talent and one of the many reasons why she deserves this recognition."