Daisy Torres-Hill ’25 leads a busy life as she completes her doctorate degree in educational leadership from the Neag School of Education. She has also been an educator for nearly 30 years, and is currently an assistant superintendent in the Hartford Public Schools. Her doctoral research is focused on the lived experiences of Latina superintendents in the Northeast, and she is looking forward to publishing that work for a national audience.

Why did you choose UConn?
I work with several colleagues who have attended and graduated from UConn. It is a well-respected university and came highly recommended from my mentor and childhood friend, Dr. Miguel Cardona. My final decision to attend was the flexibility of their hybrid program during the pandemic, allowing full-time working professionals, like myself, to complete the program in a reasonable amount of time.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I have been an educator for close to 30 years. The majority of my experience has been as a teacher in second and third grade, middle school TESOL and high school world language. The last 12 years have been spent in administration in the fields of multilingual learners, professional learning, and teaching and learning. I am currently an assistant superintendent, and my doctoral research is focused on the lived experiences of Latina superintendents in the Northeast. Currently, less than 1% of superintendents identify as Latina. Through my research, it is my hope to add to a body of research that is lacking while increasing the number of Latinas in the superintendent seat.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?
All of my professors have been excellent. Two really stand out for me: My advisor, Dr. Jennie Weiner, has been incredibly supportive and accessible throughout my journey. Dr. Casey Cobb also played an instrumental role in my program. If it were not for his patience and humor, I may not have passed my quantitative research methods class!

What activities were you involved in as a student?
I had the privilege of participating in the University Council of Education Administration conference for doctoral students. This professional learning opportunity provides doctoral students an opportunity to present their research, gain feedback, network, and develop as aspiring researchers in the field of educational leadership. I am grateful for this experience as it led to meeting an amazing professor in Texas, Dr. Melissa Martinez, who served as a member on my capstone defense committee.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that truly surprised me about the University of Connecticut was the staff. I expected a large institution like UConn to feel impersonal at times, but instead, I found professors who were genuinely invested in their students’ success. Whether it was offering feedback on my dissertation, helping me connect with other professors, or encouraging me to present my work at conferences, their dedication exceeded my expectations.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
I hope to publish my research in a journal and present my findings across the nation. I am excited for this next phase in my life.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn’s commitment to academic excellence has provided me with a solid foundation in research methodologies which has been critical for my dissertation work. Engaging with faculty who are experts in their fields has not only deepened my understanding of educational leadership but has also inspired me to pursue my passion for advocating for Latina representation in educational administration.

Any advice for incoming students?
Maintain a sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas. Be willing to engage with diverse perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. This mindset will not only enrich your experience at UConn but also prepare you for the complexities of the professional world.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
One thing I do regret during my time as a part time commuter student was not exploring more of the campus. The grounds are beautiful and there’s plenty to see. Immersing yourself at UConn is a vital step toward personal and professional growth. It creates opportunities for networking, learning, and making the most of your time as a student.

What will always make you think of UConn?
Several memories and experiences come to mind for me, but one significant aspect stands out: the sense of community and support among students and faculty. Throughout my time at UConn, I have been lucky to be part of a collaborative environment where classmates genuinely care about each other’s success. This spirit of camaraderie is reflected in my writing group and the willingness of faculty to mentor and guide students has been so helpful. My writing group has been my lifeline, and I will always be so grateful for this support network.