Principal

Maria was born in a small town in Zacatecas, Mexico. She was brought to Chicago on a cold and snowy winter in 1979. She grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, attending Hedges Elementary and St Joseph High School. From the young age of 16, she began to work to help out her parents and her 6 brothers and sisters. This struggle, and the mentorship of her high school teachers, ignited in her the desire to pursue her college degrees.

She obtained her Bachelor degree in English Education from DePaul University in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in 2008.

This is now her 20^th year in Chicago Public Schools. She has served as a High School English Teacher, Instructional Support Leader, Resident Principal Assistant Principal, on the south, west and north side of Chicago. She is currently the Principal at Multicultural Arts High School in the Little Village Lawndale High School campus.

As a first-generation college graduate, Maria believes that a quality and equitable education are at the core of students’ success. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the positive impact that the school leader can have. She works tirelessly to ensure that every child receives a quality education and a chance to succeed. She inspires change and foster a positive school culture in which teachers, students, parents and the community can flourish and can motivate and inspire each other to love learning.

On a personal level, she loves spending time with her beloved family including her 3 children and her 10 nieces and nephews.