Maria Ortiz

Dr. Maria Julia Ortiz is a nationally respected educational leader whose journey began in Newark, New Jersey, after immigrating from the Dominican Republic at the age of five. Shaped by Newark Public Schools, her lived experience fuels a lifelong commitment to equity, culturally relevant pedagogy, bilingual education, and special education as levers for social justice. Dr. Ortiz currently serves as Assistant Superintendent overseeing all 19 Newark high schools—the largest school district in New Jersey—where she leads large-scale innovation, systems improvement, and student-centered redesign. Previously, she was Executive Director of Student Life, advancing districtwide trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and mentorship initiatives. As principal of the Luis Muñoz Marin School of Social Justice, she led nearly 1,000 students daily and made history as the first principal of Dominican descent in Newark Public Schools. A strategic systems leader, Dr. Ortiz oversees a budget exceeding $200 million and is known for leading adults through transformative change, cultivating cultures of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. She excels at building cross-sector partnerships that expand opportunity and access for historically marginalized students. Dr. Ortiz holds master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and Drew University Theological Seminary, and earned her doctorate from Seton Hall University. Her work extends globally through educational engagement across 28 countries. She is a Harvard School Leadership participant, Google GSV Education Innovation Fellow (2025–26), AASA Aspiring Superintendent, and national conference presenter. Her leadership has earned multiple state and county honors. Grounded in faith, family, and purpose, Dr. Ortiz remains unwavering in her mission to close opportunity gaps and elevate student success.