Born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador in South America, Mrs. Varela came to the United States to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at Florida International University, followed by an MBA in International Business from the University of Miami. Upon graduating, Mrs. Varela gained valuable work experience in prestigious financial firms such as Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers. Mrs. Varela paused her career to raise her three children, becoming then actively involved in her children’s school’s PTO as Treasurer and Chair member. Her involvement in the school environment seeded the desire to play an even bigger role in children’s education. Mrs. Varela took the first step towards an education career becoming a substitute teacher for the AA and AMC. Later, Mrs. Varela was offered the opportunity to join the Archimedean Academy.