Lourdes Meraz

For the last 16 years, Lourdes has helped open Aspire Titan Academy in Huntington Park in 2009, where she served as a classroom teacher for 10 years before serving the school community as Dean of Instruction and Assistant Principal. She developed a love for our Multilingual Learners and tapped into their linguistic wealth to help support their learning. In 2022, she had the privilege of leading Titan as Principal for the last 3 year,s where building a strong culture of reflection, collaboration, and joy led to strong and positive outcomes for students, staff, and families.

Language, culture, and inclusivity are at the center of her work. The pride of working with and for our Aspire students is the foundation of her dedication to ensuring that all students, particularly our Multilingual Learners, see and feel how their language is honored, praised, and valued in schools. She hopes to bring all her learning and experience within Aspire LA into the role of Director of Multilingual Learners & Newcomer Supports.

She is also an Affiliate Professor for Alder Graduate School of Education, who supports future educators in supporting multilinguals in the classroom. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Latino Studies from the University of Notre Dame, M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University, and M.A. in School Administration from Cal State Fullerton.