Delaware has been my home since 1975.  That year, my family moved to Camden from New York looking for better opportunities.  I learned my strong work ethic from my parents, who both worked full-time to support their family.  My father was an auto mechanic and my mother worked at Playtex.  They both had migrated from Puerto Rico to New York as young children in the 1950’s with their families in pursuit of the American Dream.  After graduating from Caesar Rodney High School in 1984, I began working full-time in retail at the Dover Mall, while attending Delaware State College (now Delaware State University).  I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in May 1990 and immediately began working at MBNA.  In my 16-year career, I held various management positions in customer service, collections, personnel, research & development, and marketing.  After the merger with Bank of America, I decided to pursue my life-long goals and passion in the education field.  I began as a Spanish teacher in the Appoquinimink School District, while also attending graduate school.  I earned my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and School Leadership certification from Wilmington University in May 2008. 

While at MBNA, I served as a volunteer in the community and was introduced to the ASPIRA organization.  ASPIRA is the only national Hispanic non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to developing Hispanic youth’s educational and leadership capacity.  I have been involved with ASPIRA of Delaware as a volunteer and/or board member since 2004, which led to becoming one of the founders of the first dual language (English/Spanish) charter school in Delaware (Las Américas ASPIRA Academy).  I transitioned into the Head of School role shortly after the school charter was approved in April 2009.  In this role, I was involved with every aspect of the planning and preparation for the opening of the school.  With the expansion to high school and a second campus in 2020, I moved into the role of CEO of the organization.  I am proud to be part of an organization that is responsible for establishing a pathway to biliteracy for students in Delaware.      
 
I have been happily married to Wally Waite, Jr. for 33 years and we have two wonderful sons, Quincy and Isaiah.  We have lived in the Clairborne Development in Bear for 32 years, as first-time homeowners.  Wally is an Assistant Principal at Concord High School in the Brandywine School District.   

Both of our sons graduated from Appoquinimink High School.  Quincy earned a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy and works for Bayada Health.  Isaiah is a real estate agent for eXp Realty and proud father of my only grandchild, Nova. 

As a Delaware resident for over 48 years, I have volunteered countless hours supporting our communities throughout the state.  

 

It has been rewarding to represent the interests of our communities in the following capacities (listed in alphabetical order):

• ASPIRA of Delaware, Volunteer and Board Member

• Bear Babe Ruth League, Board Member

• Bilingual H.O.S.T.S Program, Volunteer @Lewis Elementary School (Red Clay Consolidated School District)

• Community Education Building, Board Member

• Delaware Charter Schools Network, Board Member

• Delaware Community Foundation, Board Member

• Delaware Hispanic Commission, Commissioner

• Delaware State University, Trustee and Treasurer

• Educational Equity Council, Governor Appointee

• Governor’s Advisory Council on English Learners, Council Member