I’m Dr. Gliset C. Morales, the founder of Valley Equity Consulting, LLC. As a proud Puerto Rican woman born and raised in Buffalo’s Valley neighborhood, with roots in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, I carry the stories of my Taíno, African, and European ancestors into everything I do. The color purple in my brand reflects my commitment to self-awareness, reflection, and transformative growth—core values that guide my work toward educationalEquity in schools and communities.
With over 20 years as an educator and a decade of experience in bilingual teacher preparation, I support educators, administrators, and related service providers in building more inclusive and equity-driven learning environments for multilingual students, especially those with disabilities. My consulting work centers on identifying and addressing systemic barriers—through practices such as distinguishing language difference from disorder within an MTSS framework, implementing trauma-informed approaches for culturally and linguistically diverse students, and applying high-leverage instructional strategies that bridge general and special education. I also provide training on how immigration experiences shape student learning, and how to foster authentic, culturally responsive partnerships with multilingual families.
In addition to leading Valley Equity Consulting, I’m also the co-founder of Amapola Arts, LLC, a culturally grounded art studio where I use ceramics and visual storytelling to support healing, advocacy, and identity reclamation. My consulting and creative practices are deeply intertwined—both rooted in a shared commitment to equity, justice, and linguistic pride.
At Valley Equity, my goal is simple: to empower educators and institutions to embrace the full linguistic and cultural richness of their students and to actively work toward equity in access, opportunity, and outcomes for every learner.
