Celebrate Valley Oak High's Principal Maria Eduviges Lopez-Cisneros, 2024 Napa County Woman of the Year

 

Let's celebrate Maria Eduviges Lopez-Cisneros, our 2024 Napa County Woman of the Year! Maria's dedication has transformed the landscape of education in Napa County. With a career spanning over 29 years in our district, Maria has been a beacon of hope and progress. She's not just an educator; she's a trailblazer. 

“This honor is so well deserved and not surprising for those of us who witness the transformative work Principal Cisneros does each day for her students,” shared NVUSD Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti. “She provides a safe, inclusive, welcoming school environment for students by partnering closely with parents and the greater Napa Valley community to build a framework of support around them. This helps ensure their success in school and as they enter the world. She does so with immense humility and care. We are grateful for her service to our community.”

As a Napa High counselor, she introduced the AVID program to our district. Since then, the AVID program expanded district-wide, enhancing access to education for first-generation, low-income college-bound students. Her efforts also increased participation in programs like Summer Search, opening doors for countless students.

Maria's journey from moving to the USA at the age of ten to becoming a first-generation college graduate in her family of ten is inspiring. With degrees from Sonoma State University and a heart full of passion, she's changed lives as a counselor, coach, assistant principal, and now, as the principal of Valley Oak High School. Maria's leadership has led to the success of the school as a model for continuation education. Each year she helps nurture over 230 at-promise youth.

Her contributions extend beyond the classroom. Maria has been instrumental in securing grant funds, expanding educational programs, and serving on various boards and committees that focus on housing, mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and education.