Dr. Maria Ortiz

Dr. Maria Julia Ortiz is the Assistant Superintendent of High Schools in Newark, NJ, and beginning her 25th year of service in Newark Public Schools. A proud alumna of the district and the first principal of Dominican descent in its history, she has led transformative work in culturally relevant pedagogy, student support, and school redesign. She oversees 17 high schools, serving more than 12,500 students and managing a $100M budget. Dr. Ortiz holds degrees from William Paterson, Columbia, Drew, and Seton Hall, and is the founder of MJO Ed Consulting. Her work has earned numerous accolades and is enriched by global ministerial experiences in over 29 countries.