Dr. Blakey's Bio

Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey has devoted a quarter of a century to public education, beginning her career as an English Language Learner teacher in a Seattle-area school and then holding a wide range of roles at APS, including teacher, activities director, principal, associate superintendent, chief operations officer, and now superintendent for the past year and a half. She also served as assistant superintendent for Santa Fe Public Schools and founded a charter school focused on project-based learning for disenfranchised youth. She leads APS with a deep commitment to fairness, opportunity, and the district’s four goals, which center on stronger reading and math achievement, better preparation for college and careers, and the skills, habits, and mindsets students need for life’s success.

A product of Albuquerque’s Southeast Heights and the daughter of a nurse and a longtime educator, Dr. Blakey was raised to value service and community—principles that continue to anchor her leadership. She brings empathy, broad experience, and a steadfast belief that every student can succeed when barriers are removed and opportunities expanded.

Since becoming superintendent, she has visited every school in the district, met with thousands of students, families, and staff, and helped usher APS into a new era of progress. She is not afraid of change when it leads to better outcomes for students and is known for leading with both courage and determination.