Originally from the Republic of Cape Verde, a country island off the coast of West Africa, Kariza Herbert (née Goncalves) grew up surrounded by family, culture, and resilience. She was one of eleven children and the oldest girl in her family, vibrant, curious, and full of life. Yet even as a young child, her mother sensed something was different. Kariza was extremely sensitive to light, held objects inches from her face to see them clearly, and experienced frequent watering of her eyes.
When her father was petitioned to move to the United States by her grandfather, the opportunity meant more than relocation, it meant hope. Medical resources in Cape Verde were limited, and her parents believed America could offer their daughter access to care and opportunity. At just four years old, Kariza and her father moved to Rhode Island in search of answers and a better future.
After numerous medical tests, she was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, a condition caused by improper development of the eye’s drainage system, resulting in high intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. This diagnosis marked the beginning of Kariza’s lifelong journey of adaptation, strength, and self-advocacy.
Once settled in her new community, Kariza gained access to essential support services, including a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, paraprofessional assistance, large-print textbooks, and Braille instruction. While these resources helped her succeed academically, they did not shield her from emotional challenges. She endured numerous painful eye infections and bullying from peers, largely due to the visible scar tissue in her left eye, which caused it to appear bluish. This scar formed when dangerously high eye pressure damaged her left eye as a toddler and has grown over time.
Despite these obstacles, Kariza refused to allow her circumstances to define her future. She found empowerment in spaces where she felt seen and understood, particularly summer camps and trainings for blind youth. These experiences were transformative, surrounding her with mentors and peers who showed her that blindness was not a limitation, but simply a different way of navigating the world. She also witnessed powerful advocacy at home. Her father, despite facing language barriers, consistently advocated for her educational needs in IEP meetings. His determination instilled in her the importance of self-advocacy, perseverance, and believing in her own voice. It was also through her father that she was introduced to faith.
At the age of fourteen, he brought her to church, where she began to develop a personal relationship with God. During seasons of uncertainty, pain, and transition, her faith became a source of strength, comfort, and direction. She credits her relationship with God as a foundation that sustained her through adversity, reminding her that her life had purpose beyond her circumstances and that her limitations did not define her future.
After graduating high school, Kariza returned to those same camps as a camp counsellor, giving back to the community that had helped shape her confidence and identity. What once empowered her as a child became a space where she could empower others.
Her educational journey continued at the Community College of Rhode Island before she took a courageous leap of faith and moved to Maryland to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She encountered new barriers, particularly in employment. Employers questioned her abilities, and accommodations were often delayed or difficult to obtain. In one position, she worked nearly 90 days without the accommodations she needed. These experiences revealed the systemic barriers that blind professionals continue to face.
Still, Kariza persisted and she rose. While working as a substitute daycare teacher, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Stevenson University, graduating with honors. She began her professional career as a Human Resources Assistant at The Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region before joining Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), the organization where she completed her undergrad practicum.
What began as a role as an Administrative Technician evolved into leadership. After three years, Kariza was promoted to Manager of Job Readiness Programs.
Today, she leads multiple state-funded initiatives designed to equip blind job seekers with the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed in the workforce. Through career coaching, professional development, customized employment assessments, and global seminars, Kariza has helped expand employment opportunities for blind individuals. Beyond her work at BISM, Kariza serves as an active member of the Maryland National Federation of the Blind Employment Committee, helping plan statewide workshops and webinars that empower blind job seekers and educate employers. After being nominated two consecutive years for the prestigious Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Employee of the Year Award at BISM, she proudly received the honor in 2026, recognizing her leadership and advancement as a blind professional within the National Industries for the Blind network.
She also serves as President of BISM’s Activities Committee, where she fosters connection, inclusion, and morale through initiatives that strengthen community across the organization.
Kariza’s work is deeply rooted in lived experience. She understands firsthand the emotional, physical, and systemic barriers that individuals with disabilities often face. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage her, she transformed them into purpose. As a blind woman, she has learned that confidence is not about fitting into society’s expectations, but about redefining them. She embraces her identity fully and uses her voice to advocate for inclusion, representation, and equitable opportunity.
Her mission extends beyond employment. She is committed to helping others recognize their value, build confidence, and pursue their goals without limitation. She believes that representation matters, and that when individuals with disabilities see leaders who reflect their experiences, it expands what they believe is possible for themselves.
Outside of her professional work, Kariza embraces creativity, adventure, and self-expression. She enjoys horseback riding, rollerblading, cooking, and writing poetry, passions that reflect her belief in living fully and unapologetically.
From a small island in Cape Verde to becoming a leader in workforce development and disability advocacy, Kariza Herbert’s journey is a testament to resilience, identity, and purpose. She continues to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create pathways for others to succeed.
“Blindness has never defined my limits,” Kariza says. “It has strengthened my resilience, shaped my purpose, and fuelled my commitment to ensuring others know they are capable of achieving their dreams. Disability is not something to overcome, it is something to embrace as part of who we are.”
Her story is not defined by blindness, but by vision, a vision rooted in empowerment, representation, and the unwavering belief that disability is not a barrier to success, but a powerful part of identity. Through her leadership and advocacy, Kariza continues to inspire others to rise, speak boldly, and claim their place in a world that was always meant to include them.
“Blindness has never defined my limits,” Kariza says. “It has strengthened my resilience, shaped my purpose, and fuelled my commitment to ensuring others know they are capable of achieving their dreams. Disability is not something to overcome, it is something to embrace as part of who we are.”
