Ms. Maria Paola Jimenez Giraldo

MariaPaola Jimenez is an Industrial Designer and educator originally from Bogotá, Colombia, with over two decades of international teaching experience in Design and Technology. Since 2013, she has been based in Atlanta, where she currently teaches Technology and Design at The Galloway School. Now in her tenth year at Galloway, MariaPaola integrates a global perspective with a deep passion for innovation, creativity, and student-centered learning. Her approach to educational technology emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that empowers students to become problem solvers, critical thinkers, and creators. She incorporates tools such as virtual and mixed reality, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, and web interactivity to engage learners in meaningful, real-world challenges. Her curriculum is driven by a commitment to design thinking and engineering principles, blending technical skill development with creative exploration. MariaPaola designs interdisciplinary projects that connect emerging technologies to biomimicry, architecture, and product design—ensuring that students not only understand how technology works but also how it can be used to shape a better world. She is especially passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that inspire underrepresented students to explore STEAM pathways with confidence and curiosity.