By: Julielys Ortiz-Leger, Manager of Regional Programs in Massachusetts

Reflecting on my career journey, I am reminded of a pivotal moment during my senior year of high school when my favorite teacher, Mrs. German, confidently told me, “You are going to be a teacher.” Without hesitation, I responded, “There’s no way!” Little did I know, less than five years later, I would find myself not just in the world of education, but deeply immersed in it, with a focus on family engagement and empowerment.

After high school, I began my career as an Operations Manager at a small charter school network in my hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts. This role, taken on at a young age, provided me with invaluable insights into education, instructional practices, and leadership. While I initially pursued a degree in Psychology, aiming to become a school counselor, my work in operations led me to explore education from a broader perspective, opening doors I hadn’t considered before.

As an Operations Manager, I served as a crucial bridge between the school and the families we served. I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of positive communication between educators and families. Building trust-based relationships with families not only supported students facing academic or personal challenges but also deepened my understanding of family dynamics. I began to see a clear connection between family involvement and student success—one that sparked my passion for family engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Education, focusing on K-12 family engagement.

Today, I serve as the Manager of Regional Programs for Latinos for Education in Massachusetts, a role that has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to the mission of family engagement in education. This position is not just a job; it’s the culmination of my passion for education, family advocacy, and leadership development. In this role, I manage Familias Latinas Por La Educación, a transformative fellowship that empowers Latino families by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and skills to advocate for their children’s education.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my current role is the ability to support Latino families as they navigate the complexities of the American education system. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply families engage when they are given the right resources and guidance, especially in spaces where they can share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Through Familias Latinas Por La Educación, I help families build their leadership and advocacy skills, empowering them to become active participants in their children’s educational journeys.

As I continue my work with this program, I am constantly inspired by the families we serve and the profound impact that engaged families have on their children’s success. My role allows me to work closely with both families and educational institutions to foster stronger, more collaborative relationships, ultimately creating environments where students can thrive.

Looking ahead, I remain committed to expanding and enhancing family engagement initiatives in the Latino community. I am passionate about creating opportunities for more families to develop their advocacy skills, navigate the educational system, and become leaders and advocates not just for their children, but for their broader communities. My work is not only about improving educational outcomes, but also about empowering families to take ownership of their children’s futures, which is deeply fulfilling.

As I continue in this role, I am excited to grow as a leader and further develop programs that will strengthen the connection between families and schools, ensuring that all families, especially Latino families, have the tools they need to advocate for the success of their children.

Julielys Ortiz-Leger is the Manager of Regional Programs in Massachusetts at Latinos for Education. She comes to Latinos for Education with over 10 years in the education field and passion for family and community engagement. In her role as regional manager, Julielys supports all our program efforts in Massachusetts, including our Familias Latinas Por La Educación Fellowship.  

Julielys received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMASS Lowell and obtained a Master of Education in Community Engagement from Merrimack College. As someone who is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community and advocating for inclusive education, she is passionate about family and community engagement in K-12 schools. Through advocacy, outreach, and relationship-building initiatives, Julielys strives to create welcoming and supportive environments where families can thrive.