Brenda Ortiz McGrath

Brenda Ortiz McGrath is an openly LGBTQ+ Latina educator and district leader with 20+ years of service in Lynn and Greater Boston. She began her career as a school social worker and went on to serve as a high school principal and district administrator leading MTSS, student mental health, and family engagement. Brenda was the first administrator in Massachusetts to expand school-based telehealth and Alongside to increase access to care, and she consulted with the Affirm Lab on developing a gender-affirming curriculum for educators. She currently serves as Vice President of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund and partners with local nonprofits to connect families with resources.

Brenda’s work has been recognized with Visionary Leader of the Year (Influencer Magazine Awards, 2025), 5 city citations in Chelsea and Lynn, and leadership fellowships with CASEL, Latinos for Education, and YW Boston/LeadBoston. As a candidate for Lynn School Committee, Brenda’s priorities are clear: strong academics, safe and respectful schools free from bullying and censorship, expanded counseling and telehealth, and practical, multilingual communication so every family can navigate services and every child can thrive.