In collaboration with the 2025 Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony Partner, Walmart, we presented this year’s Impact Advocate Award on April 14, to Dr. Jose L. Dotres for his unparalleled work and impact on the lives of children and families across the state.

Dr. Dotres is a trailblazing educator and champion for children. He is committed to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and resources. He has served as Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the third largest school system in the United States, since February 2022. With more than 330,000 students, Dr. Dotres has helped shape policies that support literacy, teacher retention, mental health services, and STEM education for underserved populations

As a five-year-old, Dr. Dotres arrived in Miami and did not know how to speak English. Because of this experience, he understands the struggles faced by countless young children and families throughout Florida. As a strategic and visionary leader, he is committed to driving policy changes that lead to increased student achievement an improved graduation rates. Additionally, his advocacy extends beyond Miami-Dade, as he has testified before the Florida Legislature on critical issues including early childhood education and literacy interventions. Dr. Dotres’s story of resilience and determination mirrors the aspirations of the students and families he represents, and his work serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of advocacy, education, and community.

Dr. Dotres earned his Bachelor’s in Public Administration from Florida International University. He subsequently received a Master’s in Reading from Barry University, an Educational Specialist degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Miami, and a doctoral degree in Leadership and Innovation from St. Thomas University.