Claudia Jacobo Martinez
Claudia Jacobo Martinez, the proud principal of Oakhurst Elementary School, is a shining example of perseverance and determination. A product of Fort Worth ISD, Ms. Jacobo’s journey began when she arrived in the U.S. from Michoacán, Mexico. Her first stop in the district was the International Newcomer Academy (INA) as an eighth grader. There, she learned the value of resilience and hard work, principles instilled in her by her mother, who always reminded Claudia and her siblings of the importance of education and perseverance.
After INA, Claudia attended Polytechnic High School, where her dedication to her studies led her to graduate as the salutatorian of her class. From an early age, she knew she would have to work twice as hard to achieve her dreams. This mindset propelled her forward, and she has never stopped striving for success.
Ms. Jacobo frequently shares her story with her students and their families, many of whom have backgrounds similar to hers. She connects with them on a personal level, helping them see that success is possible through hard work and determination. She wants them to know that she has been where they are, believing that her experience can inspire hope and confidence in her students.
Her pursuit of excellence continues today as she works toward earning her doctoral degree. After learning that only 4% of Latinas earn a master’s degree and just 2% go on to complete a doctorate, Ms. Jacobo was motivated to push herself further and says she wants to make a difference and help increase those statistics. When asked about her journey, she says, “I want to give back to the community that helped me get to where I am at”.
Ms. Jacobo’s story is one of persistence, resilience, and a deep dedication to her students and her community. Through her leadership, she is shaping future generations and showing them what is possible with determination and hard work.