Join us as we meet Julissa, owner of La Escuelita de Sofia and the Riverdale Pop-Up Market, on Mosholu Avenue.

Julissa is of Ecuadorian descent, and the youngest of 8 children.

Her mother immigrated to the US to provide a better future for her children. Through her mother's hard work and sacrifices, Julissa became the ambitious person she is today.

She thanks her aunt, who baby sat her while her mother worked multiple jobs, for instilling her passion for learning and teaching.

She attended Walton High School, where she tutored in French and Italian, gaining a love for languages.

She attended the College of New Rochelle and CUNY Lehman College. Julissa has taught High School, Middle School, Elementary and College levels.

Before she La Escuelita de Sofia, about 10 years ago, she ran the daycare out of her home  ...