Dawn M. Cortez currently holds the position of Specialist IV, Stay in School Coordinator in the Department of Student Engagement and School Completion with the Fort Worth Independent School District. In this position, she provides truancy interventions and dropout preventions for 9 PK-12 campuses. She has over 20 years of experience working with at-risk students and families within the public and non-profit sectors in the capacities as a certified Juvenile Detention Officer with Tarrant County, TX, a Family Preservationist and Specialist, and Parents As Teachers educator. Mrs. Cortez received her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. She holds certifications in Basic Mediation and in Advanced Family Mediation from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Mrs. Cortez volunteers in various capacities within her church, schools and outreach ministries to the homeless population within the city limits and at local shelters.