Rick Fernandez

The TALAS VOZ

Education EN ↓ 4 episodes

The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents is the premier organization in advocacy for the growth and advancement of Latino learners and leaders. With an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, TALAS provides leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest-growing student population in Texas.

Author

Rick Fernandez

Episodes

Consistency, Culture, and Results at Somerset Junior High with Roni Gonzales 23.04.2026 20:06

This week on The TALAS VOZ, host Rick Fernandez sits down with Roni Gonzales, Principal of Somerset Junior High in Somerset ISD. With more than two decades in the same district, Roni shares a powerful story of commitment, growth, and what it takes to build a high-performing campus rooted in trust, consistency, and strong instructional leadership. From starting as an elementary teacher to stepping...

High Expectations, Real Accountability: Inside Houston ISD’s Turnaround with Mike Miles 22.04.2026 31:09

This week on The TALAS VOZ, host Rick Fernandez sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston Independent School District, one of the largest and most closely watched school systems in the country. Known for bold, system-wide transformation and rapid improvement in student outcomes, Mike shares what it truly takes to lead change at scale in public education. From serving as an Army Ranger a...

Leading with Vision, Courage, and Innovation with Martha Salazar Zamora 20.03.2026 33:27

This week on The TALAS VOZ, host Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD and one of the most respected education leaders in Texas. Known for her bold leadership, relentless innovation, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dr. Zamora shares the personal and professional journey that shaped her path to the superintendency. From ov...

The Heart of Education: Dr. Jessica Melendez-Carrillo on Empowering Students and Staff 23.02.2026 33:01

Welcome to the first episode of The TALAS VOZ podcast. Today, host Rick Fernandez welcomes Dr. Jessica Melendez-Carrillo, Principal of Congressman Silvestre & Carolina Reyes Elementary School in Canutillo ISD. A proud El Paso leader and current TALAS El Paso President, Jessica shares her journey from aspiring news anchor to instructional leader of an A-rated campus serving a strong military-co...