Originally from Romania and now a naturalized U.S. citizen, Iuliana Roata immigrated to the United States in 2002 after earning her degree from Al. I. Cuza University in Iași, Romania. She brought with her valuable experience as a high school teacher and a deep commitment to education.

Over the past two decades, Iuliana has become a transformative leader within Stamford Public Schools, championing equity for English Language Learners and their families. Currently serving as Principal of Roxbury Elementary School, she has pioneered the integration of the arts as a universal language through strategic partnerships with Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools and Arts for Learning Connecticut. These partnerships ensure that creativity becomes a bridge for communication, inclusion, and academic success.

During her eight years as a district administrator, Iuliana worked to strengthen the connection between home and school through specialized family workshops and evidence-based literacy initiatives, including the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach and CKLA Language Studio. Her expertise in literacy and language acquisition also led her to serve as an Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University, where she prepared future educators in Advanced Literacy Studies, with a focus on making complex content accessible for English Language Learners.

Beyond the classroom, Iuliana is a dedicated cultural ambassador. She serves as the Educational and Artistic Director at the Honorary Consulate of Romania to Connecticut, fostering international partnerships between schools in Stamford and Romania. Deeply rooted in her faith and heritage, she is also the Choir Director at Holy Brancoveanu Martyrs Romanian Orthodox Church, where she helps preserve and pass on Romanian traditions to the next generation.

Through her leadership, including the creation of Multicultural Festivals and her lifelong advocacy, Iuliana empowers immigrant families to take pride in their heritage, demonstrating that culture is not a barrier, but a powerful academic asset.

Her work reflects the spirit of the Salma Khatoon Farid Award; an enduring commitment to education, community, and the transformative power of inclusion. Her career is a living testament to the belief that: “Language is the roadmap of a culture; it tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”