About Me

Dedicated to buildingpathways of opportunity

Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Research Methods, Community Engagement, Student Development, Critical Thinking, and Student Leadership.

Mariette Ayala, Ph.D.

My Story

As a Research, Evaluation and Curriculum Consultant, I lead the development of digital literacy training materials that empower learners and instructors alike. My work focuses on ensuring that all digital learning materials are high-quality, accessible, and learner-centered. With a Ph.D. in Urban Education, Leadership, and Policy from the University of Massachusetts Boston, I bring a research-informed approach to educational equity and community empowerment. My doctoral work focused on understanding the systemic barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing quality education and digital resources. Throughout my career, I have held leadership positions at UMass Boston, NYU, and various community organizations, always with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments and supporting student success. I believe that education is the most powerful tool we have for transforming communities and creating lasting change.

Areas of Expertise

Curriculum DesignDigital LiteracyProgram DevelopmentCommunity EngagementResearch MethodsPolicy AnalysisStudent DevelopmentHigher Education LeadershipGrant WritingStrategic Planning

Education

Ph.D. in Urban Education, Leadership & Policy

University of Massachusetts Boston

Master's in Higher Education Administration

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Current Role

Research, Evaluation and Curriculum Consultant

Independent Consultant

Boston, Massachusetts

Let's Connect

Interested in collaborating on education initiatives or community projects?

Get in Touch

Professional Journey

Experience & Impact

Over a decade of leadership in higher education, research, and community engagement.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Tech Goes Home

Apr 2024 - January 2026

Boston, Massachusetts

  • Responsible for all of TGH's digital literacy training materials for learners and instructors, program quality, and supporting the evaluation of learning gains.
  • Ensure that all digital learning materials are of high quality, accessible, learner-centered, and are selected from the best of digital learning offerings.
  • Supervise all staff in the Department of Learning and volunteers in curriculum development, education events, and instructor professional development workshops.
  • Collaborate with other members of the program and operations teams to offer partner support in the areas of digital learning, training, and educational content.

Adjunct Faculty

Bunker Hill Community College

Jan 2020 - Dec 2023

Boston, Massachusetts

  • Teaching principles of sociology to undergraduate students
  • Developing and managing the class syllabus meeting department and college standards
  • Planning and creating lectures, in-class discussions, and assignments
  • Advising students on how to be successful and achieve goals

Director, Urban & Off Campus Support Services

University of Massachusetts Boston

Jun 2020 - Oct 2023

Boston, Massachusetts

  • Responsible for the development and implementation of program policies and procedures, fiscal management and personnel supervision
  • Maintained and facilitated relationships with funding organizations, wrote grant proposals and participated in fundraising activities
  • Developed opportunities to inspire student agency in mitigating systemic poverty
  • Lead unit strategic planning and assessment, using data to inform practice and improve programs and services

Research Consultant

New York University

Jun 2018 - Dec 2021

Remote

  • Connected with local community partners to conduct internal, formative studies implementation of education initiatives
  • Designed research strategies to fulfill the needs of specific research projects
  • Implemented research plans, then interprets and analyzes research data, mining it for relevant information

Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Support

University of Massachusetts Boston

Sep 2019 - Jun 2020

Boston, Massachusetts

  • Researched and developed academic success initiatives and enhanced current academic partnerships
  • Monitored and tracked residents' academic status using predictive analytics
  • Conducted preventative outreach to known students of concern throughout the academic year
  • Developed protocols for managing conflict resolution processes consistent with institutional practices

Research Assistant / Program Administrator

University of Massachusetts Boston

Jun 2015 - Sep 2019

Boston, Massachusetts

  • Communicated with visiting scholars and ensured compliance with University and U.S. governmental regulations
  • Provided arrival, orientation, and ongoing cultural learning support for international scholars
  • Worked with stakeholders to develop comprehensive annual reports identifying evaluation activities
  • Managed Website Content, media relations & social media communications