DYNAMIC PANEL DISCUSSION MEMBERS
Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez
Superintendent
Hartford Public Schools
Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez is a visionary education leader, committed to transforming urban public education through innovation, student-centered practices, and community-driven leadership. A native of Puerto Rico and a proud graduate of Hartford Public High School, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez’s journey—from arriving in Hartford at nine years old as a multilingual learner to serving as Superintendent and CEO of Hartford Public Schools—reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of education.
Since 2017, she has led Hartford’s 17,000-student district with distinction, overseeing 42 educational settings and a $450M budget. Her leadership has resulted in record-breaking student outcomes, including an 80% graduation rate and significant gains among multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Through strategic investment and innovative partnerships, she has secured strategic resources, modernized facilities, launched new schools, expanded Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment access, and established early college and career pathways for students.
As the longest-serving female superintendent of Connecticut’s capital city, now in her eighth year, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez is widely recognized for her resilience and courageous leadership—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she navigated unprecedented challenges to maintain instructional continuity, safeguard student and staff well-being, and uphold a vision for inclusive, high-quality learning experiences.
Dr. Torres-Rodríguez has a proven ability to lead systemic transformation by leveraging cross-sector collaboration, fostering educational excellence, and advancing access for historically underserved communities. Her initiatives—such as teacher recruitment from Puerto Rico and robust data and intervention teams—have redefined student and staff support systems. Notably, she led a 20% district-wide rightsizing effort while expanding access to high-quality programming and facilities.
Her professional impact extends nationally as a Broad Academy and Pahara Institute Fellow. She is the recipient of prestigious honors, including the ALAS National Latino Superintendent of the Year Award and Prospanica’s Brillante Award for Educational Excellence.
Beyond K-12 education, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez has taught at Capital Community College and currently lectures at Yale University. She also contributes her expertise to several boards, including Trinity College, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Social Impact Partners, and the American Heart Association. She co-chairs the Mayor’s Cabinet for Young Children in Hartford and serves as President-elect of both the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
Dr. Torres-Rodríguez holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, an MSW from the University of Connecticut, and a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. She lives in Hartford with her husband and two sons, continuing to lead with compassion, courage, and a deep connection to the community she proudly serves.
Dr. Bulaong Ramiz
Dr. Ramiz is a Black and Boricua Queer Muslim activist, educator, and mama who has dedicated her life to challenging and transforming institutional practices from upholding oppressive status quos to building communities rooted in equity, justice, and accountability. Dr. Ramiz works as a consultant supporting organizations to align their rhetoric and espoused values with their policies and practices and helps individuals build their power and capacity to transform their world.
Dr. Ramiz utilizes social media to further educate, offering social and political commentary and reading historical and present day texts from some of our generation's greatest thinkers, writers, and changemakers under her moniker @itsDrBu.
Dr. Bu holds a BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University, a MS in Counselor Education from Central Connecticut State University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas.
Mr. Malik Ramiz
Malik Ramiz is a dynamic and multifaceted individual whose career spans a broad spectrum of fields, from education to entrepreneurship, and whose life has been devoted to giving back to his community. A former member of the United States Navy, Malik's journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to personal growth, community development, and service to others.
Malik's educational journey began at the historical African Methodist Episcopal Zionist institution, Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, one of the country's most renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Initially pursuing a degree in Biology pre-med, Malik's interests evolved, and he transitioned to Sports Management with a focus on Sports Medicine, while also minoring in Business Administration. This shift marked the beginning of his diverse career path, combining both athletic and business-oriented goals.
Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Malik attended Tunxis Technical Community College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree. His passion for education and self-improvement drove him to pursue higher studies, leading him to the University of New Haven. There, Malik obtained a Master of Education degree, setting the stage for his impactful career in education.
Malik’s first professional role in education was with the Windsor Public Schools in Windsor, Connecticut, at Sage Park Middle School. His work there laid the foundation for his long and successful career in shaping young minds. After a few years, he left Windsor Public Schools at the request of a friend who recruited him to help open a new school in New Haven. This venture became the Amistad Academy / Achievement First, where Malik spent five years making significant contributions to the institution.
With a passion for mentoring and helping young people—particularly young Black males—Malik transitioned into the realm of social work. He went on to work with the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections before moving to the Connecticut Judicial Branch Court Support Services. There, he served at both the Bridgeport and Hartford Juvenile Detention Centers, providing guidance and mentorship to at-risk youth. During this time, Malik pursued and completed a second Master's degree in Social Work, furthering his expertise in helping young people overcome challenges and make positive life changes.
Today, Malik continues to work at the Hartford Juvenile Detention Center while also serving in Hartford Public Schools, where he is deeply committed to improving the lives of young people in his community.
Beyond his work in education and social services, Malik has also pursued entrepreneurial ventures aimed at creating opportunities and resources for his community. He founded several businesses, including:
● Ramiz’s Masonry and Landscaping
● Muscular Therapeutic Network Massage Therapy & Personal Fitness Training
● Positive Young Brothers Mentoring and Positive Young Sisters Mentoring
● Global Enterprise Management Spectrum
● TimBOOKtu Academic Achievement and Tutoring
● Counter Assault Protective Services
These ventures reflect Malik’s diverse skills and his commitment to empowering others through physical, mental, and academic development. His businesses serve as a platform for his broader mission: to mentor young people, especially young men, and help them develop into strong, positive individuals.
In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Malik is heavily involved in community enrichment and upliftment efforts. He has dedicated much of his time to initiatives aimed at reducing violence, improving education, and fostering positive male role models. Through these efforts, he strives to create a safer, more supportive environment for young people, particularly those in marginalized communities.
Malik is the proud father of two children and a grandfather to one. His family plays a central role in his life, and he is deeply committed to being a positive influence not only for them but also for the broader community.
Through his military service, education, career in social work, and entrepreneurial ventures, Malik Ramiz’s life exemplifies the power of resilience, self-improvement, and giving back. His work continues to impact countless lives, and his dedication to community, education, and mentorship remains unwavering.
Mr. Edwin Vargas
Mr. Vargas has a Bachelor's in Education and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Hartford. He was a teacher in the Hartford Public Schools for 35 years (1972-2007).
Throughout his teaching career Ed served as a leader of the Hartford Federation of Teachers serving in many roles including president, chief negotiator and grievance chair. He has also held numerous leadership roles at the local, state and national levels in labor, political, community, nonprofit, and civil rights organizations. Among them was his leadership of the Puerto Rican Political Action Committee. During his tenure of this committee during the 1980s and early 1990s, the Puerto Rican community became a major political force in the capital city and beyond. He was selected Grand Marshall of the 2022 Puerto Rican parade in recognition of his service.
Ed recently retired as the Gov. O'Neal Endowed Chair for Public Policy and as a Political Science professor at Central Connecticut State University. He previously served as a legislator in the Connecticut House of Representatives from where he retired as a Deputy Speaker after six successful elections. In 2024 he was elected by his retired colleagues to the Connecticut State Teachers Retirement Board for a four-year term.
