MALIKA DELANCEY | PRESIDENT | MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Malika DeLancey, Maryvale Preparatory School’s new president, is a passionate and joyful educator. She joined Maryvale after 25 years of experience in teaching and academic leadership at the most prestigious independent schools in the Baltimore area. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland College Park and an M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University.DeLancey believes in the Maryvale mission, providing an exceptional education that responds to change and prepares young women for life. The Catholic independent girls’ school provides an environment in which each student can reach her greatest potential in a supportive and diverse community. Learn what drew DeLancey to the education field and what she hopes to achieve as Maryvale’s president. WHAT DREW YOU TO EDUCATION?I was drawn to education for several reasons. First and foremost, my mother and my grandmothers were teachers, and they made teaching look like the most enjoyable and most rewarding experience a person could have. I loved decorating their classrooms each fall and hearing them speak so lovingly about their students and their families year after year. Secondly, I believe education is how you change the world—one person at a time. You never know what book, what conversation, or what relationship will spark passion and innovation. Lastly, I am a people person. I like people even when things get hard. And young people keep me sharp! I want to spend time with them and learn from them.WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR ROLE?I want to continue to shine a light on Maryvale students. I want to show them their power and their strength. Maryvale students are so talented and kind. I want to empower our students to share their gifts with the world. Through signature programs such as the Mitchell Leadership Institute, the St. Julie Billiart Program, the Ford Program, the Center for Academic Excellence, and our STEAM Initiative, we are equipping our students with the tools to learn, lead, and succeed, unapologetically.This article is part of the 2024-2025 Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools.