Ignatian Educator of the Year Named

María Inés Leáñez has been chosen by her colleagues as the third recipient of the prestigious Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award. This esteemed award, named in honor of Mrs. Beatriz Jiménez, a revered figure in our community, is a testament to María's 17 years of dedicated service as a faculty member. Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, María earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with minors in Art History and Secondary Education from the University of Miami. 

A lifelong learner and thought leader, she completed the three-year Ignatian Leadership Program in 2020 and has continued as a Seminar Adjunct Leader for the Jesuit Schools Network since 2021. She has served in many roles at Belen. She has taught World History, Spanish and Art History. She served as Chairperson of the Humanities Department for five years, was the co-moderator for the OSP (Overseas Program) for eight years and was a CLC (Christian Life Community) moderator for two years. Outside of Belen, she is a Lay Missionary for Fe y Vida and Amor en Acción and has done missionary work in Barrio Blanco, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Presently, our recipient teaches Art History.  

“In every position María Inés has held, she has exemplified the characteristics of an Ignatian Educator,” said Mr. José E. Roca ‘84. “She cares for her students while challenging them to grow in their learning and understanding; she collaborates with and supports her colleagues and effectively uses the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm both in and out of class. You will always find her mentoring students and faculty members alike, as well as learning something new from both of them”.

As a testament to her deep understanding and embodiment of Jesuit education, Mrs. Leáñez has also been entrusted with the education and formation of our new teachers in her role as the Ignatian Educator Formation Coordinator. In this role, she has developed and implemented a curriculum that ensures that all new members of the Belen faculty not only learn but come to live and embrace Jesuit education.

The award was announced during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 23 and presented to her by Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J. '87 and Mr. José Roca ‘84. The Mass is the first of the academic year and is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating back to 1548. It is a time when the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this award, particularly because my fellow colleagues nominated me,” said Mrs. Leáñez. “Their recognition affirms that I am on the path God intended for me and fuels my commitment to continue embracing the gift of being an Ignatian educator.”

The Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award is selected annually and given to a member of the faculty or staff who exemplifies the profile of an Ignatian Educator. Mrs. Jiménez served our community for 34 years as a teacher, chairperson and administrator. She was a role model for all of us and demonstrated how a faith-filled person gives the MAGIS for the Greater Glory of God. The award recipient serves as a guide with and for students on their formational journeys at Belen Jesuit. The Ignatian Educator engages in ongoing personal, professional and religious development to sustain a vibrant community committed to the mission of Jesuit education. 

Click here to watch the Mass and award presentation. Click here to view the photo album.