Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Maritza Guridy proudly identifies as Dominican. Like many immigrants, her mother migrated to the United States seeking a better life. For Maritza, this meant quickly taking on «parentified» responsibilities, as she puts it. At the young age of seven, she learned to advocate for and fulfill parental roles for her non-English-speaking parents.
When asked about her identity as a Latina woman, Maritza explains that her experiences as a first-generation Dominican American, shaped by immigrant parents, deeply influenced her present self and future endeavors as a mother and advocate.
She quickly learned how to be an advocate for her parents, who struggled with English. This role extended beyond the home, taking on a parental role in all external affairs. This experience, known as «parentification,» emphasized the negative aspects of her educational journey but continues to define her identity as a mother and advocate.
Maritza is a team builder and tireless advocate for parents in Philadelphia. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Gwynedd Mercy College in Pennsylvania, she has been a vocal advocate for over a decade. During her time as Deputy Director of Parent Power and Outreach for the National Parents Union, she was instrumental in ensuring its national and Puerto Rican reach. Her extensive experience working with Philadelphia’s Hispanic community extends to various non-profit organizations. She is currently a proud member of LULAC Inc., the League of United Latin American Citizens, dedicated to political, educational, and opportunity services for Hispanic Americans.
The panel for Black History Month, co-sponsored by LaSalle University’s Education Department and Office of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion, was a remarkable event where Maritza, an esteemed panelist alongside other educators, shared her expertise as a parent advocate leader and her journey that connected to present times and shaped her identity. This experience further highlighted the significance of the forum and the valuable insights shared by other educators and students present.
Tirelessly advocating for parents and children in the community, Maritza’s unique perspectives as a parent and advocate provided thought-provoking personal and professional experiences that resonated with the audience.
Now, Maritza has taken her message of education and advocacy to the airwaves. She is the creator and host of «Looped in with Maritza,» an education-only podcast specifically designed to bring parents and education leaders to the forefront to discuss shared ideas and offer new insights on how parents can become active and involved in their children’s education. You can watch, listen, and participate in Maritza’s podcast show every Wednesday on YouTube. As she says, it’s «a journey to ensure all voices are heard and understood.»
