About Ray Garcia-Morales
Ray Garcia-Morales is a distinguished educational leader with a long-standing commitment to equity, student success, and school transformation. He has served as a high school administrator for over a decade, first as an Assistant Principal at Tyee High School, then Cleveland High School, and most recently as Principal at Chief Sealth International High School.
With a professional career spanning 25 years, Garcia-Morales has held various impactful roles, including Program Coordinator, School Social Worker, Dean of Students, and Principal. His experience also extends to the nonprofit sector, having collaborated with organizations such as the Seattle Youth Involvement Network, Children’s Alliance, and Safe Futures.
As a transformational leader, Principal Garcia-Morales has been instrumental in the design, implementation, and sustainability of effective educational systems, consistently driving progress and student achievement.
Ray Garcia-Morales aims to leverage his extensive leadership experience to support school leaders in navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and building thriving educational environments.
Educational Background
Garcia-Morales earned an Associate of Arts degree from Seattle Central Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of Washington, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. He later completed additional studies in Educational Administration at Seattle University.
Educational Leadership
From 2004 to 2009, Garcia-Morales served as a School Social Worker at the Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts, where he advocated for student needs, supported mental health initiatives, and promoted community engagement. He managed academic and social-emotional portfolios for over 60 multilingual learners and students with IEPs and contributed to key operational decisions involving budget and staffing.
From 2009 to 2011, he held a similar role at Cleveland High School, continuing his focus on student advocacy and holistic support.
Garcia-Morales transitioned into school administration as Principal Intern, Dean of Students and then Assistant Principal at Tyee High School from 2011 to 2015. He then returned to Cleveland High School, serving as Assistant Principal from 2015 to 2021. At Cleveland, he played a pivotal role in strengthening school culture, ensuring student safety and promoting high academic expectations.
From 2021-2025, Garcia-Morales led Chief Sealth International High School as Principal. His leadership has resulted in a positive school culture centered on student safety and academic excellence. He oversaw instructional leadership, staff development, and recruitment, while managing budgets and securing diverse funding sources. He prioritized mental health initiatives and deepened community engagement.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Rebels & Scholars
Between 2014 and 2020, Garcia-Morales co-founded and operated Rebels & Scholars, a clothing brand inspired by his love for the Pacific Northwest and social justice. Rebels & Scholars and Ray’s vision helped introduce Pop Up Markets and other non-traditional retail experiences to the greater Seattle area. The venture was deeply community-focused, from the imagery to the intentional brand messaging to awarding scholarships to undocumented students pursuing higher education. The business was highly successful. However, Garcia-Morales opted to step away from the brand as he focused on his first year of principalship.
Commitment to Social Work
Garcia-Morales continues to draw inspiration from his years as a school social worker. Having started his career in school social work in The Bronx, he is grateful for his formative years in the New York City Department of Education. His work advocating for students’ needs, supporting mental health, and creating access to community engagement remains some of the most meaningful aspects of his career. This has helped shape his leadership philosophy and reinforces his belief in education as a vehicle for social justice.
Civic Engagement and Volunteerism
His dedication to the community extends beyond the school campus and business ventures. Garcia-Morales has contributed financially and in-kind to organizations, including El Centro de la Raza, the Latino Community Fund, Alimentando al Pueblo, YouthCare, Mary’s Place, Entre Hermanos, FareStart, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Colleges Foundation, and Communities in Schools. This is by no means a complete list, but it is a few of his favorites.
He currently volunteers with the Union Gospel Mission and the Washington State Department of Corrections, reflecting his ongoing commitment to community well-being and holistic mental health support.
Personal Background
A Seattle native, Ray Garcia-Morales finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He enjoys exploring the region’s landscapes—from urban parks to the majestic Cascade Mountains. While he holds fond memories of his time in New York City, he considers Washington’s natural scenery to be unparalleled.
