Alumni Spotlight: Ybelka Ortiz

My name is Ybelka Ortiz, and my journey towards a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Salem State University through the Career Pathways Grant has been nothing short of transformative. Not only has this educational pursuit deepened my knowledge and understanding of best practices in the field, but it has also allowed me to contribute to the growth and development of educators within Child Development and Education Inc., where I currently serve as the Sr. Director of Operations.  In this role, I support over 200 licensed educators who serve 1,150 children in the Lawrence area. 

One of the most significant changes in my life has been the profound impact this program had on my professional growth. Through my Master’s degree courses, I have acquired an extensive understanding of best practices in early childhood education. This knowledge has not only enriched my own skills but has also enabled me to become a valuable resource to my colleagues and staff. As the Sr. Director of Operations, I find myself in a unique position to impart my knowledge and expertise to all educators within our agency. This, in turn, helps our team provide the best possible care and education to the children we serve.

One of the ways I’ve been able to share my knowledge is through the development of a curriculum newsletter. This newsletter is sent out every other month to all of our educators, serving as a tool to educate and update them on the latest best practices in the field. The newsletter is delivered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I also created a YouTube channel where I post videos on best practices in Spanish, reaching the Spanish community. It is immensely gratifying to know that I can contribute to the professional development of our educators, ultimately benefiting the children we work with.

Beyond the professional realm, achieving my Master’s degree holds a special significance in my personal life. I am the first member of my family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, and as if that achievement wasn’t remarkable enough, I graduated with my Master’s degree alongside one of my cousins. This dual accomplishment has not only created a sense of pride and inspiration within my family but also highlights the importance of education as a means to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.

Through this journey, I have come to realize the transformative power of education, both in one’s professional and personal life, and I am committed to using this power to make a lasting impact in the field of early childhood education and beyond.