Welcome to our blog!
Hello! My name is Maritza Morelli. Since 2001, I have the privilege of being the co-founder and executive director of the organization Los Niños Primero. I have dedicated my life to providing educational opportunities and support to Latino families in Atlanta, establishing strong community ties and fostering a love of learning at all stages of life. For me, this goes beyond just a profession; It is a true life mission and a genuine commitment to personal development through education.
Empowered Hearts
Inspiring stories of lifelong learning and community impact
August 2026
A Tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month: My Immigrant Journey of Building Community
A Tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month: My Immigrant Journey of Building Community Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director & Co-founder of Los Niños Primero | Follow Maritza on LinkedIn As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began 35 years ago — when I left my home country Venezuela to start anew in the...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreJune 2026
From Finland to Atlanta: A Bold New Chapter in Education Rooted in Joy, Culture, and Connection
From Finland to Atlanta: A Bold New Chapter in Education Rooted in Joy, Culture, and Connection Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director & Co-founder of Los Niños Primero | Follow Maritza on LinkedIn Celebrating 25 years of impact, Los Niños Primero launches its first U.S.-Finland education partnership with Lumo Education to center children, families...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreNovember 2025
What Tango Taught Me About Life
What Tango Taught Me About Life Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director & Co-founder of Los Niños Primero | Follow Maritza on LinkedIn When I first stepped onto the dance floor to learn tango, I thought I was just learning a dance. I didn’t realize that tango would become one of my greatest teachers — showing me the power of trust, presence, int...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreMarch 2025
From Volunteer to Director: How One Young Latina is Shaping the Future of Atlanta’s Los Niños Primero
From Volunteer to Director: How One Young Latina is Shaping the Future of Atlanta’s Los Niños Primero Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director & Co-founder of Los Niños Primero | Follow Maritza on LinkedIn This Women’s History Month, I want to honor and spotlight Lizbeth’s extraordinary journey – how she went from a shy tee...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreNovember 2024
How Finland Tackles Fake News: Essential Lessons for Spotting Misinformation in Social Media
How Finland Tackles Fake News: Essential Lessons for Spotting Misinformation in Social Media Image of Finnish students in a social studies class researching the issues at play in an EU election as part of their critical thinking curriculum. (Source: CNN) In today’s digital age, the rapid spread of misinformation has made it harder than ever to separate fact from fiction, particularly on social media platforms. Inaccurate information spreads faster than ever before, influencing pu...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreJuly 2024
Pablo Neruda, Pablo Picasso and Pablo Casals Were Children Once
PABLO NERUDA, PABLO PICASSO AND PABLO CASALS WERE ONCE CHILDREN Pictured above: Poema 20 by Pablo Neruda; Pablo Casals; Guernica by Pablo Picasso Art has always been a fundamental expression of human creativity, playing a crucial role in history and in both individual and community development. This influence is evident in the early lives of figures like Pablo Neruda, Pablo Picasso, and Pablo Casals, who show how exposure to the arts can shape future talents. Despite its importance, recent yea...
Written by: Maritza Morelli, Executive Director and Co-founder of Los Niños Primero
Read moreMay 2024
Play and Laughter: Two Very Serious Matters
PLAY AND LAUGHTER: TWO VERY SERIOUS MATTERS Some time ago I found myself in a professional training workshop on the topic of playing. By this time, I had already graduated in psychology and I was looking for theoretical explanations around the importance of play in children and its effects on development. I was surprised when at the beginning of the workshop, the instructor put us in front of a group of toys and asked us to choose one and play for an hour. As I caught myself thinking about how...