MARIAPAZ GOMEZ: South BOULEVARD middle school director

MARIAPAZ@urbanpromisecharlotte.org

Mariapaz was born in Queens, New York, and moved down to Charlotte, NC, at the age of eight. Her parents are from Colombia and Ecuador and she grew up around Dominican culture since very little. She attended Queens University of Charlotte and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in International Studies with a focus in Latin America; and she also minored psychology, Spanish and professional writing and rhetoric. Currently, she is completing her Masters degree in Global Migration Studies at Columbia International University.

After finishing her undergraduate studies, she dove deep into ministry and worked at her home church as a youth and missions ministry staff member. During this time, her passions for youth and the Latino immigrant community grew an abundant amount. She worked with different teams in her church on strategies for inclusion and community resource building, while also serving as a youth leader and mentor.

Growing up surrounded by the immigrant community, Mariapaz became an advocate for the youth that identify as 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, as well as those in historically marginalized groups. She truly believes in the power of leading others through the light and love of Jesus, while at the same time equipping them for success in every area. Equally as important, she understands the dire need to support parents of youth as they continue to lead in their households.