Full Profile
As an educator who started a second career in education, as a teacher of 11 years, counselor, AP, Principal and advanced through administrative positions as a Director of English Language Learners, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, a California superintendent, an educational consultant for the Puerto Rico Department of Education Hurricane Maria Recovery efforts, and now as the Executive Director for the national Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] in Washington, DC.
Maria’s action research and teaching are influenced by a decade of working in the bio- tech industry and 25 plus years of public-school and higher education experience in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. Her primary focus on the role of Latino social networks, leadership, educational policy, and knowledge mobilization and the relationship between those elements and the educational attainment of historically marginalized students. With over 50 vodcasts, webinars, and contributor of educational articles and an author of STEM for the 21st century: It Takes a Village, and Equity in the Classroom, Dr. Armstrong is committed to writing as well as sharing stories from the field to The Hill as an advocate for all children, with an emphasis on Latino youth.
Dr. Armstrong champions innovation and practices of promise that provide students a brighter tomorrow. Based on her previous experience in the Biotech industry, she is committed to ensuring that students are both college, career and life ready. Dr. Armstrong is a proud alumna of Azusa Pacific University, where she earned her master’s in education with an emphasis on Counseling, and Recipient of the Influence award: Honoring an alumnus whose investment of his or her profession and time has made a lasting influence on the character, development, or behavior of their students.
She also holds a bachelor’s in business and a doctorate in organizational leadership and received the Inspiration Award from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with its Latina Estrella Awards.
Dr. Armstrong received the Top 20 Female Leaders of the Education Industry in 2021 and in February 2023 noted as one of three top Latina Leaders as “Representing Excellence at All Levels of Education-UnidosUS.”
Dr. Armstrong deeply believes that leadership and vision matter, but the life of an educated child matters more.
“What I love about kids is their pure honesty. They know when you’re a champion for them or not. My goal is to provide hope, inspiration, and encouragement to genuinely care for and educate our children.”
“What I am most proud of are my own children and grandchildren. My children saved my life, and education was my family’s saving grace.”
