Maria Leon-Vazquez
Community advocate and educational leader in Santa Monica for over 40 years.
My passion comes from over forty years of involvement in Santa Monica, and working on issues in education and social justice.
I was raised in a working class, union family, which emphasized education as a means of creating opportunities for prosperity.
My leadership is the driver to continue SMMUSD’s strategic shift to a 21st century education guaranteeing that all our graduates are college and career ready, culturally and socially conscious, multi-lingual communicators, global citizens, and life-long learners.
About Maria
A native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, I have resided in Santa Monica since 1959. I attended K-12 schools in Santa Monica, received an AA degree from Santa Monica College, a BA degree from U.C. San Diego, and a JD degree from U.C. Law San Francisco.
I was employed in a private law firm for 15 years and a housing nonprofit for 11 years. Since December 2007, I have been employed at Santa Monica College as a Project Manager running the Career Pathways Partnership grant.
I was elected to the SMMUSD Board of Education in November 2000, and served 22 years as the only Latina board member. I have served in a Leadership role as past President and Vice President (4 years).
My personal triumphs in life have been raising and educating our two children, Tony, a graduate of the University of Southern California, and Carolina, a graduate of New York University with my husband, Antonio Vazquez, Board of Equalization Member. We also raised our niece, Maris, a graduate of U.C. Riverside. I am blessed to have my 93-year-old mother. My latest great joys in my life are my grandchildren Emilio attending Edison Language Academy, Anita a fun-loving 2-year-old, and my daughter-in-law, Christine, a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. We work as a passionate team fighting for social justice in our community.
Accomplishments over the years…
K-12 Social Justice Program
Restorative Justice training for staff
American Cultures/Ethnic Studies Program
Early learning programs are Reggio - inspired, STEAM enhanced, and standards aligned
Project Based Learning (PBL) pathway and campus established
Personalized Project Based Learning training to all staff
Parent Engagement Framework adopted
Inclusion of more parents in their student’s education
2 of 3 High Schools ranked in the top 5% national, state & local best high schools – US News & World Report, April 2024
Opportunity gap increase, 68% AP Participation
World renowned Visual & Performing Arts
Diversification with the addition of a Mariachi program
District-wide Equitable Fundraising
All schools personnel needs are met
Passage of Y/YY & GS/GSH, sales tax measure, ¼% District revenue
Passage of Bond Measures BB, ES, SMS to upgrade our aging schools, technology & safety
Endorsements
Dolores Huerta, American Labor Leader & Civil Rights Activist
Tony Thurmond, CA State Superintendent
Tony Vazquez, Board of Equalization member
Ben Allen, State Senator
Rick Chavez Zbur, Assemblymember
Lindsey Horvath, LA County Supervisor
Jennifer Smith, SMMUSD President
Jon Kean, SMMUSD Vice President
Alicia Mignano, SMMUSD Board Member
Richard Tavildaran-Jesswein, SMMUSD Board Member
Laurie Lieberman, SMMUSD Board Member
Margaret Quinones-Perez, SMC Trustee President
Nancy Greenstein, SMC Trustee Vice President
Susan Aminoff, SMC Trustee
Sion Roy, SMC Trustee
Barry Snell, SMC Trustee
My parents both only had a third-grade education and realized that their purpose for immigrating to the United States was to build a future for their children. I grew up with a strong work ethic and compassion to help others in need. We didn’t have much growing up but were raised with the riches of a strong family unit and lots of love.
Education as a means for opportunity.
I am committed to full transparency and accountability as SMMUSD continues to balance its budget, oversee its bond projects, and give SMMUSD families a voice.