LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Marisa Stewart

Position: Principal
School: Ramona Elementary School
School District: Hawthorne School District
City, State: Hawthorne, CA

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Marisa Stewart was nominated by the 2025-26 Ramona PTA Board. 

"It is with great respect and admiration that we nominate Marisa Stewart, principal of Ramona Elementary School. She is an exceptional leader whose impact is felt deeply by students, staff, and families alike," said the PTA Board. 

Mrs. Stewart's educational journey reflects her unwavering commitment to student success. From her early work as a second-grade teacher in Ramona's Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program to her roles in special projects, district leadership, and administration, she has consistently led with purpose and care. Her return to Ramona as principal is a powerful testament to her dedication to the community she serves. She fosters a school culture where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Her presence on campus is constant and meaningful. Whether she is engaging with students, supporting teachers, or participating in school events, she leads with warmth, positivity, and intention.

What makes Mrs. Stewart especially remarkable is her resilience. Even as she navigates personal struggles, she continues to lead with grace, strength, and unwavering commitment. She remains an active and joyful presence, inspiring those around her through both her leadership and her perseverance. Her ability to uplift others while facing her own challenges is nothing short of inspiring and speaks volumes about her character. In May 2024, she was recognized as the District's Principal of the Year, receiving the Leadership Award, an honor that reflects her outstanding dedication and impact.

"Mrs. Stewart is a true example of compassionate and courageous leadership. It is an honor to nominate her for this recognition," said the PTA Board. 

Comments (10)

Arlett castillo Posted 2 months ago

La Sra. Stewart merece este y mas reconocimientos, es un ejemplo de lucha, disciplina y constancia, a podido superar muchos obstaculos con gran valentia, el Amor y la dedicacion a los niños es inquebrantable, siempre esta para la comunidad y para quien lo requiera, muchas Felicidades y sobre todo muchas Bendiciones en todo lo que emprenda, la queremos mucho y le mandamos muchos abrazos mi Familia y yo.

Elisa Aguilar Posted 2 months ago

Ms. Stewart is the definition of a dynamic principal. She has brought the school community together. Students, families, and staff feel supported and engaged. Ramona school is a better place because of her dedication and passion.

Melissa Posted 2 months ago

Miss Stewart is a blessing to everyone at Ramona. She has taken the time to make everyone feel welcomed and is very welcoming. My daughters love having her as a principal and enjoy having conversations with her. She is wonderful and continues to persevere through everything she is going through. She deserves the recognition for all her hard work.

Elizabeth Dantus Posted 2 months ago

What a gift it is to have Mrs. Stewart as our children’s principal. She not only knows each of the 700+ students by name, but also understands their interests, personalities, and families. Her care for every child creates a school environment where students feel seen, valued, and supported. Mrs. Stewart has built a thriving school community where children and families can flourish. She champions teachers and classrooms, supports parent education through adult parenting classes, and ensures students have access to homework help and enrichment opportunities. Beyond academics, she brings the community together through meaningful school events such as dances, summer festivals, and activities that foster connection and belonging. Mrs. Stewart leads with heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to students and families, making a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her school community.

Alyssa Jahnke Posted 2 months ago

Mrs. Stewart is the kind of principal every school hopes to have. She genuinely cares about the kids, supports families, and is always looking for ways to improve the school and bring new ideas to life. You can see how deeply invested she is in the students through the little moments, like tears in her eyes watching my daughter dance, or the emotion and pride she showed while creating the TWBI video highlighting how incredible the dual immersion program is. She brings such warmth and heart to the school community through her dancing, smiling, hugs, and constant encouragement, while also knowing exactly how to step in and handle difficult situations with professionalism and care. She makes students feel seen, parents feel heard, and the entire school feel like a community. Truly an amazing human all around.

Jasmin Anaya Posted 2 months ago

Our kids and us parents are very fortunate to have such an amazing principal. She's always seen on campus with a great big smile and always greets every student that she crosses paths with. She's someone who brightens anyone's day with her smile. We are very lucky to have a principal that cares about our children and everything that goes on in the school. We are all truly blessed to have her.

Carla Lima Posted 2 months ago

Our students at Ramona Elementary are truly blessed to have someone who cares the way Mrs. Stewart does. Knowing that she is committed to our students and community is a true blessing

Monina Washington Posted 2 months ago

Mrs. Stewart is the heart of Ramona. Her positivity, resilience, and love for our school community shine through in everything she does. We are beyond grateful for her leadership!

Coral Hernandez Posted 2 months ago

Ramona Elementary truly is fortunate to have Mrs. Stewart. It is rare to find a leader who is as deeply dedicated and resilient as she is. What makes her so special is her never give up spirit. Even while navigating her own health challenges, she remains absolutely unstoppable. She doesn't just show up, she pours her whole heart into our school every single day, proving that nothing can stop her commitment to our kids. Whether she’s solving problems planning all the activities or greeting students, that famous smile never fades. The kids adore her because they can feel how much she cares. We are incredibly lucky to have such an inspiring, human, and heroic principal leading the way!

Erika Torres Posted 2 months ago

Ms Stewart is an amazing leader and human being , thank you for all you did to help my son Adrian Montes and always supporting me and my family … we love you very much Ms Stewart