Press Kit — Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath

One-Page Bio

Official biography

Dr. Brenda Ortiz McGrath, Ed.D., MSW is an educational leader, district administrator, consultant, author, and researcher who strengthens PK–12 systems — leadership, policy, social-emotional learning, student support, and family and community engagement — so that every student has a real path to success.

She currently serves as a PK–12 District Administrator for Chelsea Public Schools, leading social work, social-emotional learning, school mental health, grant development and management, data and continuous improvement, staff supervision, and community partnerships districtwide. She previously served as Principal of Waltham High School — the first Latina and first woman to lead the school in 53 years — and as the district's first Latina administrator.

She is the creator of the MijaLumbre Leadership Framework™, a culturally grounded model designed to strengthen the identity, voice, and leadership of Latina women, and the creator of CoreKind360 Family Connect. She is an elected Lynn School Committee Member At-Large, chairing both the DEI and Policy subcommittees.

Media Library

Documents, portraits, and presentation decks

Open each resource directly. PDF materials may be viewed in the browser or downloaded for event and media use.

Complete Press Kit

Biography, credentials, honors, speaking highlights, and initiative overviews.

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Curriculum Vitae

Professional experience, education, publications, fellowships, and public service.

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Leadership Record

District and school roles, programs, documented results, original initiatives, and public service.

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Speaking Package

Talks, presentation history, audience information, and selected slide decks.

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Official Headshot

Professional portrait for event, publication, and media use.

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DESE Conference Slides

Using a Continuous Improvement Cycle to Create Safe, Supportive Environments

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MASCA Presentation Slides

Using Tech to Support a Comprehensive Counseling Program

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MASCA Deck Guide

A shareable, self-contained PDF with all 19 slide previews and a section-by-section guide.

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MTSS & SEL Handbook

Building Systems of Belonging — a culturally responsive handbook and workbook for schools and districts.

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Published Work

Books, scholarship, and research

Selected publications and research, with direct paths to full details or the original source.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Doctoral Dissertation