Maria Jordan-Awalom

President, Freeport Board of Education, Freeport UFSD

According to her award nominator, “Maria Jordan-Awalom is a passionate and tireless advocate for Freeport.” As both president and trustee of the Freeport Board of Education, she has consistently informed board decisions to reduce taxes while maintaining and enhancing educational programs for all students. An educational leader who is responsive to the needs of her community, she has lobbied local and state legislators, and worked with regional school board associations, to fight for Freeport’s fair share of state and federal education funding. 

She has supported programs that assist families with obtaining basic necessities like food, clothing and housing, while working to ensure that every student has access to wireless internet and digital devices that will assist them in being successful in the classroom and at home. 

Ms. Jordan-Awalom has used her influence on behalf of the region’s underserved populations, including the economically disadvantaged, displaced refugees, immigrants and English Language Learners. She supports legislation, policies and practices that directly address the struggles of these disenfranchised communities, such as fair and equal access to education. She is among those who spearheaded Freeport’s advocacy efforts for equitable access to instructional opportunities and educational resources, making the Freeport UFSD one of the first districts to instate a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  

Ms. Jordan-Awalom has served on numerous committees and boards focused on community support, including Freeport Cares, Latino Community Leaders, the Freeport Educational Foundation, and the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Council. In her service to Freeport Schools, she has consistently promoted the district's vision and goals, ensuring that every student receives the best education possible, and generating positive outcomes for students and families.