“My favorite part about Francis Tuttle is that everybody here makes you feel a part of something.”
At Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Alfrimerys Gallardo found more than just a place to learn design skills — she discovered a community that supported her and helped her believe in herself.
A 2022 graduate of Putnam City West High School, Gallardo started Francis Tuttle’s Graphic Design and Communications Program in spring 2023 and is now continuing her education in the Business Marketing and Management Program.
The combination pairs creativity with strategy as she works toward her ultimate goal of owning a graphic design business. Currently, she runs a reselling business and plans to use the profits to purchase the equipment needed for a graphic design setup.
Gallardo has always known she wanted to do graphic design, which she attributes in part to being part of a creative family. Her uncle was a singer, and her grandfather hosts a radio program in Venezuela. Gallardo has been singing since she was 9 years old and has always loved drawing and anything related to color and creativity.
“I feel like that's why I chose graphic design is because it lets me create something out of nothing, and it just lets me be myself,” Gallardo shared. “I’m planning on putting my skills and what I’m learning in marketing right now into my business so we can be successful in the future.”
While at Francis Tuttle, Gallardo has earned multiple certifications, including ones for Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. She is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society and participated in the Superintendent’s Leadership Academy and Business Professionals of America.
Beyond technical skills, Gallardo says Francis Tuttle helped her grow personally. As a bilingual student who once worried about a language barrier, she instead found a welcoming community.
“My favorite part about Francis Tuttle is that everybody here makes you feel a part of something,” Gallardo said. “It doesn't matter if you're from a different country or if you speak a different language. They always make you feel welcome, and when you need help, there's always somebody who has open arms for you.
“Instructors, friends, and even the directors have helped me to feel more comfortable about who I am and what I wanted to do,” she continued. “Their help and being in my programs have helped me as a human being and also as an adult in how I will be in the professional field.”