Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Maria Pimienta.
Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always believed in not letting our obstacles and tribulations limit us; instead challenge our limits. I came to this country at the age of five with my mother and father. Like millions of other children, I was brought here illegally. I never really understood how one thing can impact you so much until I realized my junior year of high school that I could not apply for a job legally or obtain an ID. I remember I felt invisible, like a nobody. I remember at the time asking myself if this life was ever going to get any better. All I knew was there was no way but up and college was going to be my way out somehow. I worked 3 jobs; yes 3. I worked at a dry cleaner, baby sat for a family in Manhattan Beach, and worked at the front desk in LAX (the graveyard shift 10pm to 6am). In between those hours, I was attending college and graduated in 4 years with honors. When I graduated and became a high school English teacher. I made it my personal mission in life to change lives; the lives of children who were just like me and have no hope or see no way out. As I have gotten older I realized why stop with children when I can help families, which is why I dedicate my time to volunteering and giving back as much as I can. I am thankful for my journey and in awe with all that I have accomplished. As the quote by Andy Andrews says, “Adversity is preparation for greatness.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Once I entered the field of education, my “why” became very clear: To be an agent of change, to leave an imprint on people I meet, to inspire, and to develop our students to their fullest potential. I believe as educational leaders it is our professional, ethical, and moral responsibility to ensure all students receive the best educational experience through equity and access. I want to help inspire a world that exhales positivity, tolerance, dialogue, and openness through my leadership and service to others. Of course, there were struggles along the way, even now there are really tough days professionally and personally; but struggles are part of the journey. Not all days are the same, not everything goes as planned and that is okay.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a highly passionate educational leader who has over 16 years in education. I’ve served in the capacity of teacher, Vice Principal, School Principal, Assistant Superintendent and my most current role Director of Human Resources at TEACH Public Schools. TEACH Public Schools are innovative, dynamic, creative, and educationally enriching institutions of positive-driven learning in south Los Angeles. TEACH Public Schools is changing lives everyday and I am so honored to be a part of the team. I am also an adjunct professor at USC, at the Rossier School of Education. I teach a class once a week. My students are graduate students completing their master’s degrees and teaching credentials. I love having the opportunity to equip my students with the theories, principles and skills so they may successfully impact the teaching profession. I specialize in people and connecting with them. Whether it’s young students or adults. I am known for my kindness and being the person who reminds you that positivity wins every time.
What sets me apart is to me the field of education is not a career, but rather a calling and my “why”.
I am currently most proud of being a strong woman and embracing my journey; the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I am grateful for where I’m at and excited about where I’m going.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the power of perseverance, dreaming big, working hard, and surrounding yourself with good people. The power of networking and having a mentor goes a long way. I also believe a lot in embracing your journey and trusting the timing of your life. I remind myself that our thoughts create our feelings and that creates the actions we take. Therefore, make the best of every chapter that you are in. I remind people that you can always change your direction. You have the power to make changes that suit you. Life will always present you with opportunities and options; choose the path that inspires you.
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