Dafny Joy Irizarry Ortiz is the founder and president of the Long Island Latino Teachers Association. A woman and educator with a passion for equity, justice, and inclusiveness. Ms. Irizarry has demonstrated leadership and commitment in advocating, in collaboration with community groups and educational institutions to ensure high quality education for all students. She is committed to empowering Long Island’s youth to grow educationally.

Ms. Irizarry was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She attended the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras where she became a recipient of the Paul Douglas Scholarship. This opportunity allowed her to successfully complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from SUNY Stony Brook. Additionally, she completed a Master’s degree in Education from CUNY at Queens College. She graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Currently, Ms. Irizarry teaches English as a New Language (ENL) in the Central Islip School District. She also serves as First Vice President for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Long Island Chapter, a member of the Advisory Board Member for the TESOL Program at Molloy College and a member for the Community Advisory Board for Northwell Health. She served as Board Chair Trustee for the Suffolk County Community College, member for the NYS Commissioner’s Teachers Advisory Board, Board Chair for Herstory Writers Workshop, and Advisory Board member for the Professional Education Program at Stony Brook University. She has been recognized among Long Island’s 50 Top Women.