Mary Grace Torres

Mary Grace F. Torres, a devoted mother of two, has been profoundly influenced by her youngest daughter Angel, who is totally blind and now graduating from college with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Special Education. This personal journey ignited her passion for advocating for children with disabilities and their families. As the Parent Coordinator for the Asia Pacific Region at Perkins, she provides support to families while nurturing a community built on understanding and empowerment. Additionally, she manages the Moodle Platform, which plays a crucial role in enhancing educational resources and accessibility for both families and educators. Mary Grace’s commitment is underscored by her previous role as Area Supervisor for the Visayas Region with Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), where she also served as Corporate Secretary. These roles equipped her with necessary skills to advocate for the needs of visually impaired children and promote inclusivity. Though she studied nursing, Mary Grace found her true calling in educational leadership and disability advocacy. She takes pride in teaching Braille to parents, empowering them to connect with their visually impaired children and strengthen family bonds.

Mary Grace is proud to be an alumni of Perkins’ Educational Leadership Program, Class of 2023, completing the program as its first parent participant. Her standout initiative, the Family Adventure Camp in Cebu, fostered connections among families of children with disabilities, providing resources and support. Through this project, Mary Grace aimed to empower families, promote understanding, and create a network of support that would benefit everyone involved.

Mary Grace plans to expand educational programs for families and children with disabilities, particularly in Braille literacy and inclusive education practices. She aspires to develop more initiatives that not only support families but also advocate for systemic changes in educational policies to ensure that children with disabilities receive the quality education they deserve. Ultimately, Mary Grace hopes to continue being a voice for those who are often unheard and to inspire others to join in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all children.