Marianela De La Cruz
Methuen,MA
Summary
Results-oriented director and community engagement leader with more than nine years of managerial experience within Lawrence Public Schools. Experienced in restructuring departments, leading grant-funded initiatives, and working across teams to strengthen family and community partnerships. Played a key role in developing systems that supported record-high attendance. Currently completing a Master of Public Administration with hands-on experience in grant writing, budgeting, and program evaluation. Known for clear communication, collaborative leadership, and follow-through.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Partnerships Director, Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement
Lawrence Public Schools (LPS)
01.2022 - Current
- Provide district-level leadership for family and community engagement initiatives supporting attendance, enrollment stability, and equitable access to services.
- Designed and implemented sustainable, districtwide attendance systems, contributing to attendance reaching an all-time high.
- Developed and facilitated districtwide trainings to support Newcomer and Homeless Liaisons, a newly established district role.
- Led and supported grant-funded initiatives (including SOA), contributing to program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Designed and piloted programs such as ServSafe certification and Parent University, expanding workforce readiness and family engagement opportunities.
- Supported districtwide initiatives including ELPAC, collaborating across Enrollment, Attendance, Multilingual Learners, Special Education, and Transportation.
- Worked with external partners such as Great Schools Partnership, receiving coaching and technical assistance to strengthen systems and leadership practice.
- Supported Assistant Superintendents and Deputy Superintendents in restructuring and strengthening the Family Resource Center (FRC), contributing to clearer systems, improved workflows, and more sustainable service delivery.
- Supervise staff, manage workflows, and serve as liaison between district leadership, schools, community organizations, and external agencies.
Project Manager, Lawrence Working Families Initiative (LWFI)
Lawrence Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Managed a dual-generation workforce initiative providing ESOL, job readiness, and employment pathways for over 700 LPS families to date.
- Helped design and launch the first Parent-to-Paraprofessional pipeline in Massachusetts, sustained for over eight years through district and community partnerships.
- Built and maintained partnerships with Lawrence CommunityWorks, Adult Learning Center, Northern Essex Community College, and employer partners.
- Supported program evaluation, reporting, and participant supports to reduce barriers to completion.
Social Worker / Family Liaison
Esperanza Academy
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Enhanced student and caregiver engagement through tailored family support services.
- Delivered comprehensive case management, addressing individual student needs and fostering academic success.
- Facilitated communication between families and school staff to ensure student well-being and support.
- Implemented workshops for parents, promoting effective strategies for student development and engagement.
- Conducted regular assessments to identify family needs and coordinate appropriate resources and referrals.
- Collaborated with local agencies to connect families with additional social services and support systems.
- Developed personalized action plans for families, focusing on student success and community involvement.
Social Worker
Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF)
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Managed complex child welfare cases involving assessments, court documentation, and interagency collaboration.
- Worked closely with schools, courts, healthcare providers, and community agencies to support family stability and child safety within a highly regulated system.
Education
Master of Public Administration - MPA
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MABachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice, Sociology
University of Massachusetts
Lowell, MA06.2006
Skills
- District & Department Leadership
- Attendance & Compliance Systems
- Family & Community Engagement
- Organizational Restructuring & Change Management
- Workforce & ESOL Pathways
- Program Design & Sustainability
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Data-Informed Practice
- Culturally Responsive Leadership
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
Certification
NECC Supervisory Training,
UMASS Amherst Translation
Languages
Bilingual: English & Spanish
FELLOWSHIPS & HONORS
Latinos Educators Shine Award – 2025, Latinos for Education – Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship (Completed 2023)
COMMUNITY & SERVICE
Top Notch Scholars, Volunteer, Youth mentoring and academic support
Timeline
Partnerships Director, Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement
Lawrence Public Schools (LPS)
01.2022 - Current
Project Manager, Lawrence Working Families Initiative (LWFI)
Lawrence Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2022
Social Worker / Family Liaison
Esperanza Academy
01.2015 - 01.2017
Social Worker
Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF)
01.2006 - 01.2014
Master of Public Administration - MPA
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice, Sociology
University of Massachusetts