Known for her reputation as an innovative problem solver, dedicated educator, and expert in the field of K-12 education, Dr. Elia Bruggeman is originally from Mexico and has worked in education for over 30 years. Her successful role as an educator for public and private schools and higher education has pioneered educational initiatives that focus on promoting the assets students and families bring to schools and communities. She joined Project Success as a Senior Education Advisor in 2023 with a passion and commitment to guide programming that serves students and families.
Elia has served on various non-profits, businesses, and state boards that focus on youth/community development, educational partnerships, and international education. Her collaborative strategic thinking, community relations, and local, national, and international partnerships, as well as her belief in the transformative power of global competence, have led her to collaborate on various initiatives regarding the inclusion of programs to benefit students, schools, and communities.
Prior to joining Project Success, Dr. Bruggeman was most recently a cabinet member and High School Superintendent at Boston Public Schools and Assistant Commissioner of Education for the Minnesota Department of Education. She served as Deputy Education Officer at Minneapolis Public Schools, an Assistant Professor at MNSU-Mankato, she acted as Director of Student Services for Northwest Suburban Integration Collaborative, Academic Dean at Shattuck-St Mary’s Preparatory School, and 7-12 Principal at Sleepy Public Schools. As a teacher, she taught Business Education, ESL, and Spanish courses. She holds her post-graduate degrees in Education Administration as District Superintendent and K-12 Principal from MNSU-Mankato and earned her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from St. Cloud State University.