Yaritza Villalba stands at the forefront of transformative education as a award-winning Education Consultant, championing culturally responsive and project-based learning for a global cadre of educators. Her 13-year tenure in urban education has equipped her with a wealth of strategies and resources dedicated to uplifting BIPOC students and their communities. A proud alumna of the State University of New York at Albany, Yaritza's journey began in the heart of Brooklyn, where she imparted knowledge in Social Studies to high school students striving against academic odds. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Long Island University, Brooklyn, where she delved deeper into Adolescent Urban Education, earning her master's degree and honing her expertise in inclusive teaching methods. Yaritza's dynamic career path saw her rise to Assistant Principal at an Expeditionary Learning School, evolve into the CEO and Founder of McKenzie’s Adventures LLC, and blossom as an author of culturally resonant children's literature. Driven by a mission to level the playing field, Yaritza is unwavering in her commitment to forge pathways for students of color, ensuring they have equitable access to thought-provoking resources and conversations that transcend the classroom walls.