Dr. Maria Armstrong is an education advocate and leader who champions equitable actions that provide students with a brighter tomorrow. She has devoted her career to education – as a teacher, school counselor, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of English Language Learners, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and Superintendent. She has also served as an educational consultant for the Puerto Rico Department of Education leading the department’s Hurricane Maria Recovery efforts, and she now serves as the Executive Director for the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in Washington D.C.
Prior to working in education, Dr. Armstrong worked in the Biotech industry and is committed to ensuring that students are 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 was a recipient of the Influence award, which honors 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.”
Dr. Armstrong 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. The award is part of the chamber’s Latina Estrella Awards program which honors exceptional women who are leading the way in their professions, in business, and in the community. 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 saving grace, for me and my family.”