Por Dr. Javier Molinares
AL DÍA TODAY
PALM BAY, Fla. — The professional paths of Leonor Kryla and Alisabet Valdes reflect years of discipline, change and growth across industries before meeting in the real estate field in Florida’s Space Coast. Their individual journeys, shaped by education, corporate experience and personal decisions, now come together with a shared focus on service and community.
Alisabet Valdes was raised in Puerto Rico, where she developed an early understanding of business through her family. Surrounded by strong women in business, she built an interest in finance and long-term planning from a young age.
After completing part of her high school in Puerto Rico, she moved to Florida and enrolled at Florida International University, where she earned a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. Her academic performance placed her in honors-level programs, reflecting her strong commitment to her studies.
Valdes began her professional career in the pharmaceutical industry and later moved into management roles, developing leadership and operational skills. She continued her career as a financial analyst with the International Air Transport Association, supporting operations across the Caribbean.
Her experience expanded further at Florida State University, where she worked for nearly a decade, rising into leadership roles and earning recognition for her service. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point, leading her to pursue a long-standing goal.
“I realized life is short, and I wanted to reach all my goals–I always wanted to do real estate,” Valdes said.
She later relocated to Palm Bay, invested in her own home and obtained her real estate license, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
It was during this transition that Valdes began exploring brokerages in the area and was introduced to Leonor Kryla at Arium Real Estate. That introduction marked the beginning of a professional relationship that quickly evolved from mentorship into collaboration.
Leonor Kryla’s story begins in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she was born before moving to the United States at a very young age. Although she grew up in Rhode Island, her Colombian roots remained a strong part of her identity, shaped by family values, culture and community traditions that she carried with her throughout her life.
In Rhode Island, Kryla was raised in a tight-knit Hispanic community, particularly among Colombian families who had migrated to work in the textile industry. She describes the environment as “like a little Colombia,” where culture, language and traditions remained present despite being far from home.
From a young age, she was involved in competitive cheerleading, a discipline she practiced from childhood through college. That experience helped shape her leadership, teamwork and resilience, qualities that would later define her professional path.
After high school, Kryla made the decision to return to Barranquilla to attend Universidad Autónoma del Caribe. That experience allowed her to reconnect with her roots and better understand her cultural background, while also gaining independence at a young age. However, due to immigration limitations, she returned to the United States to continue her education.
She later earned a degree in international business administration from Johnson & Wales University, where she strengthened her interest in business and global markets. Her career began in public service, working as an aide to a U.S. senator in Rhode Island, where she gained early exposure to government operations and policy.
Kryla then moved to New York, where she worked in the private sector with a firm connected to the Rockefeller family. She later transitioned into human resources, supporting businesses through operational and organizational development. These roles gave her a strong understanding of systems, leadership and business structure.
Her entry into real estate came through an opportunity to help manage a growing business in Rhode Island. There, she helped build a bilingual real estate team that served the Hispanic community, combining her business background with a strong focus on service and communication.
After experiencing the changes in the housing market, she returned briefly to corporate roles before eventually relocating to Florida with her family in search of a new beginning. In Palm Bay, she reestablished herself in real estate and expanded into education, creating opportunities for new agents through the Launch School of Real Estate and teaching across Florida.
As Valdes gained experience, their partnership strengthened. Kryla brought years of industry knowledge and leadership, while Valdes contributed a strong financial background and strategic thinking.
“We both have a strong work ethic and we’re intentional about what we do,” Valdes said.
Today, they work together at Arium Real Estate, focusing on personalized service, guiding clients through complex decisions and building long-term relationships. Their work emphasizes education, especially for Spanish-speaking clients who may face language barriers when navigating real estate transactions.
Their mission extends beyond buying and selling homes. Through Arium en Español, they aim to educate, empower and unite Florida’s Spanish-speaking community by promoting financial stability through homeownership and community collaboration.
“We want to help people, especially those who need it the most,” they said.
Looking ahead, Valdes plans to expand into commercial real estate and pursue her broker’s license, while Kryla continues her work in education, leadership and advocacy within the industry.
Together, they represent a strong example of Latina leadership in real estate, combining experience, purpose and a shared commitment to serving their community.
For more information about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, Arium is located at 5240 Babcock St SE, Palm Bay, FL 32905. Inquiries can be made by calling 401-692-9082 or 786-340-8836, or by email at leonor@ariumrealestate.com and alisabet@ariumrealestate.com. Additional information is available at www.ariumrealestate.com.
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