Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrathInnovate · Lead · Elevate

Author & Scholar

Books, Research & Scholarship

Writing that carries the same commitments as the work: culture, belonging, leadership, and whole-child development.

Books

Stories and guides

Each title stands on its own and works well together for classrooms, family programming, and leadership cohorts.

Book cover for Mami's Coquí Song by Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath

Bilingual Children's Book

Mami's Coquí Song

A bilingual children's book rooted in Puerto Rican culture, family, memory, love, belonging, and emotional connection — a story of the sounds and people that stay with us.

For families, classrooms, and early childhood educators

  • Bilingual English and Spanish text
  • Themes of identity, memory, and belonging
  • Pairs with family engagement and read-aloud programming
Book cover for Mija, You Were Built to Lead by Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath

Flagship Book · MijaLumbre Leadership Framework™

Mija, You Were Built to Lead

The flagship book of the MijaLumbre Leadership Framework, written for leaders navigating systems while carrying identity, culture, and community with them.

For Latina leaders, emerging leaders, and leadership cohorts

  • Introduces the five flames of the MijaLumbre Leadership Framework™
  • Built for cohort reading, mentoring circles, and leadership institutes
  • Culturally grounded language for identity, voice, and boundaries
Book cover for ELLA Poderosa Volume 2 by Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath

Co-Authored Collection · Launched October 2026

ELLA Poderosa Volume 2

I'm honored to be a co-author of ELLA Poderosa Volume 2, a collection of stories by Latina women about leadership, resilience, purpose, and the courage to keep moving forward. The book launched in New York City on October 3, 2026, with a feature in Times Square celebrating the 17 powerful Latinas sharing their leadership journeys and breaking barriers. My contribution reflects the experiences and defining moments that have shaped who I am and how I lead.

Launched in New York City · October 3, 2026

  • A collection of stories by Latina women on leadership, resilience, purpose, and the courage to keep moving forward
  • Launched in New York City on October 3, 2026, with a feature in Times Square celebrating the 17 powerful Latinas behind the collection
  • Dr. Ortiz McGrath contributes her own story of the experiences and defining moments that shaped who she is and how she leads
Book cover for Building Systems of Belonging by Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath

Professional Resource · MTSS & SEL Handbook and Workbook

Building Systems of Belonging

A culturally responsive MTSS and SEL handbook and workbook from ILE Consulting — practical frameworks for tiered support, a Tier 1 walkthrough rubric, and ten ready-to-use planning tools for schools and districts committed to the whole child.

For schools and districts · Free download

  • A practical framework for MTSS and culturally responsive SEL — from shared vision to districtwide implementation
  • Ten ready-to-use tools, including team roles, a walkthrough rubric, a readiness self-assessment, and planning and referral templates
  • 24-page handbook and workbook · published by ILE Consulting · free for schools and districts

Research

Doctoral research

Reducing Dropout Rates Through Social-Emotional Learning in Urban Public Schools: A Qualitative Document Analysis

Doctor of Education · American International College

A qualitative document analysis exploring how social-emotional learning can support efforts to reduce dropout rates in urban public schools.

Read the dissertation on ProQuest

Thought Leadership

Articles, essays, interviews & presentations

A growing collection of published commentary, podcast conversations, and conference presentations.

Articles & Essays

New pieces are added here as they are published.

Interviews & Podcasts

View all appearances

Conference Presentations

Explore selected national, statewide, and community presentations by topic, year, role, and format.

View speaking engagements

Books & Scholarship

Bring the books into your school or organization

Author visits, book studies, read-alouds, and leadership cohorts built around Mami's Coquí Song and the MijaLumbre Leadership Framework™.

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