Latino Leaders

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an exceptional conversation with his featured guest — Veronica Benavides . Veronica has dedicated her career to advancing identity, language, and learning as a teacher, Fulbright scholar, Harvard researcher, coach, and leader.  She champions heritage language reclamation through innovative tools for children, educators, and families.  Veronica is the founder and CEO of Bi...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Ana Ponce . Ana is the CEO of GPSN, a nonprofit intermediary organization in California.  She leads efforts to advance equity across the Los Angeles Unified School District by mobilizing major philanthropic investment, shaping policy through research, and expanding opportunity for over 500,000 students.  Ana is a form...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Janet Estrada . Janet is the principal of Ashley Elementary School in the Denver Public Schools.  She is also the vice president of the Adams County School District 14 Board of Education in Commerce City, Colorado.  Janet is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and she is a passionate advocate for equity, repr...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a riveting conversation with his featured guest — Axel Caballero . Axel is the CEO of the Latino Film Institute (LFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for education, advancement, and innovation in the entertainment, tech arts, and media industries.  He has a deep passion for strategic development and organizational building, thriving on mergi...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Delphina JOYce Avila . Delphina is a leadership expert and founder of JOY, Journey Options YouChoose.  She helps people L.E.A.D., S.H.I.N.E., and R.I.S.E. with JOY.  Delphina is an author, speaker, and coach who empowers women to embrace resilience and create purpose-driven lives. 1:03 - Introduction 2:04 - My Leadership...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enjoyable conversation with his featured guest — Faviola Cantú . Faviola is a nationally recognized education leader with 21 years of experience driving academic achievement and systemwide excellence.  She is the chief academic officer for the Aldine Independent School District in Texas, where she oversees curriculum and instruction for 57,000 students.  Faviola inspir...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a marvelous conversation with his featured guest — Pierre Orbe . Pierre is a first-generation American who was born to Ecuadorian parents.  He is the New York State Principal of the Year, as well as the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) National Principal of the Year for 2025.  Pierre is a transformative leader and doctoral researcher who is...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an extraordinary conversation with his featured guest — Karla Hernández-Mats . Karla is a proud Miami, Florida native and first-generation American of Honduran descent.  She is an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) vice president and past president of United Teachers of Dade.  Karla was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Florida in 2022. 1:03 - Introduct...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a meaningful conversation with his featured guest — Elena Fabunan . Elena was born in Tijuana, Mexico to a Filipino father and Mexican mother.  She championed equity, trauma-informed practices, and newcomer student success during her 35 years as a bilingual teacher, counselor, and principal.  Elena is currently a coach, mentor, and advocate, ensuring that every child feel...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a wonderful conversation with his featured guest — Celina Estrada Thomas . Celina is a lifelong educator, a dedicated wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a colleague, and a friend.  She served as a public school educator for over 41 years and retired from public education in 2023.  Celina is currently serving as the executive director for the Texas Association of Latin...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an informative conversation with his featured guest — Miranda Walichowski . Miranda is the founder of Human Architects and a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M University.  She helps school leadership teams boost efficacy, strengthen internal dynamics, and respond to all stakeholders.  Miranda is a wife, mother of five, and competitive powerlifter who blends he...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a delightful conversation with his featured guest — Gladys Barbosa Labas . Gladys is an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Southern Connecticut State University.  She previously served as the director of equity and language at the Connecticut Department of Education, supporting school districts in meeting the academic and social-emotional...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a caring conversation with his featured guest — Carlos Marrero . Carlos is a visionary leader with a rare blend of strategic foresight and grounded presence.  He was the CEO, founder, and director of the LEO Clinic in Connecticut.  Carlos has mentored aspiring social workers and helped shape the next generation of mental health professionals. 1:03 - Introduction 2:45 - My...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Rubén Arias . Rubén is a Chilean serial edtech entrepreneur relocated to Texas.  He is a mission-driven engineer that specializes in designing, developing, and evaluating technology for education.  Rubén aims to change the lives of 100 million K-12 Spanish-speaking students worldwide. 1:03 - Introduction 1:59 - My...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Steven Almazán . Steven is the director of policy and partnerships at EdVoice Institute, an education advocacy organization focused on reshaping public education in California.  He has spent his career advancing policies and leading coalitions at the local, state, and national levels that improve opportunities for...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an outstanding conversation with his featured guest — Anna Marie Candelario . Anna Marie is a first-generation Latina educator and systems-level leader who is redefining leadership through equity, healing, and heart.  Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and rooted leadership that values care, connection, and courage.  Anna Marie was named one of the Top 100 Education...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a moving conversation with his featured guest — Roberto Lozano . Roberto is a first-generation Mexican immigrant and chief of educational equity and support programs for Las Cruces Public Schools in New Mexico, a district near the United States–Mexico border.  He leads with empathy to ensure that all students feel connected and supported, while also working to expand oppo...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an uplifting conversation with his featured guest — Daniel Rosales . Daniel embodies a leadership story rooted in profound personal experience growing up with an immigrant father and migrant mother.  His journey highlights how his leadership is a direct reflection of his identity.  Daniel is the superintendent of schools for the Friona Independent School District in Texas...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a fascinating conversation with his featured guest — Ronald Cabrera . Ron has been a public education teacher, principal, and senior leader.  He currently consults as an executive coach, working with school leaders at all levels.  Ron also serves as the executive director of the 4 Corners Latinx Leadership Academy, developing school leaders from Arizona, Colorado, New Mex...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thoughtful conversation with his featured guest — Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan . Ramona is a servant leader and educational consultant, having been an educator and administrator for almost three decades.  She is a co-founder of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS).  Ramona currently is serving as a school board trustee for the Clark...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enriching conversation with his featured guest — Derlys Gutiérrez . Derlys is a Cuban American lawyer and author.  She was born in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1968.  Derlys has focused her legal practice on education, labor, and employment law. 1:03 - Introduction 1:50 - My Leadership Story 19:37 - What’s Best for Students 24:33...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an inspiring conversation with his featured guest — Rolando Merchán . Rolando was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and he began his career in education as a bilingual teacher.  He is passionate about fostering biliteracy and supporting multilingual students.  Rolando serves as the president of the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE) and is the multilingual d...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Ulysses Navarrete . Ulysses is the executive director of ALAS, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.  He is a seasoned business leader, a first-generation son of Mexican immigrants, and is dedicated to prioritizing the needs of students and administrators alike.  Ulysses is unwavering in his co...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an amazing conversation with his featured guest — Jeannette Allen . Jeannette is the principal of Arlington Community High School in Virginia.  She has over 20 years of experience in education and a strong focus on equity, student success, and community engagement.  Jeannette is a bilingual leader and a passionate advocate for multicultural and multilingual learners. 1:03...

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a gripping conversation with his featured guest — Ana York . Ana is an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Stanislaus.  She has been a public school teacher and induction mentor for more than 25 years, and she is passionate about supporting students, increasing access to teacher preparation, and promoting equity in educa...