Episoder

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Juan Santos.

    Juan is proud to be the president-elect of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), an organization that supports administrators throughout California. He is currently the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Ventura County Office of Education. Juan wants to inspire future generations by making a lasting impression on people through mentoring and leadership.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:02 - My Leadership Story
    16:07 - The Switch
    21:04 - Stand and Deliver
    24:00 - Assistant Superintendent
    27:21 - Educational Leadership
    31:39 - CALSA
    34:42 - Be Your Best
    36:32 - Latino Leadership
    39:37 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    40:52 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Juan Santos is a passionate leader, dedicated mentor, and driven change-maker, empowering others to excel. He was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but he grew up alone, surrounded by a vibrant life, fueled by a series of events that included learning. Juan is driven by the motto "Be Your Best.”

    Juan has achieved notable accomplishments throughout his career, including inspiring others, especially youth; fostering community engagement through partnerships; developing leadership skills through mentorship programs; and achieving academic excellence. His guiding principles include empowerment through uplifting others, authenticity by staying true, continuous growth through learning, and unity by building bridges. Juan embodies resilience, self-awareness, and excellence.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-juan-manuel-santos-0a13312a

    Website: calsa.org/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a fascinating conversation with his featured guest — Joanne Fimbres.

    Joanne is the proud chief financial officer for the Pendergast Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona. She has 25 years of educational experience. Joanne is a strong, award-winning Latina leader who is responsible for budget, finance, and operations for her school district.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:48 - My Leadership Story
    17:15 - Chief Financial Officer
    27:56 - Budget and Finance
    30:45 - Latina Leaders
    34:27 - Paying it Forward
    38:40 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    40:17 - Leadership Academy
    44:05 - Guiding Principles

    Joanne Fimbres is the chief financial officer and in charge of six operational departments. The Pendergast Elementary School District has twelve campuses and serves 8,250 students. Joanne is always focused on what is best for her students, their education, and providing the educational tools that they need to succeed. She leads her team in maintaining compliance in all areas and ensuring that the district is fiscally sound.

    Joanne has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with an emphasis in strategic innovation and leadership, both from Ottawa University. She has served on multiple boards and has received numerous organizational nominations and awards. Joanne was most recently named Central Office Administrator of the Year by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS).

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joanne-f-07193969

    Website: pesd92.org/district/departments/financial-services

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

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  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a powerful conversation with his featured guest — Miguel Castillo.

    Miguel is the director of bilingual education and early childhood programs at the Elgin Independent School District in Texas. His educational career spans 30 years, and he has experience at the teacher, principal, director, and executive level. Miguel is a former immigrant and migrant farm worker who now advocates for immigrants, migrants, and bilingual students.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:07 - My Leadership Story
    21:26 - Bilingual Education and Early Childhood Programs
    28:53 - Principal
    32:43 - Finishing the Journey
    36:44 - Immigrant, Bilingual, and Migrant Students
    40:14 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    42:34 - Hispanic Communities
    46:24 - Guiding Principles

    Miguel Castillo is a former immigrant and migrant student who moved to the United States with his family in 1980. He was the first in his family to graduate from college in 1993, and five of his siblings followed in his footsteps. While Miguel was in school, his parents moved to various states, such as Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida. Miguel attended 18 different schools before graduating from high school in 1988. His expertise in school improvement and leadership enabled him to transform three schools under his supervision into some of the best in Texas. Miguel's work has been featured on the national television network Univision as well as on the front cover of the New York Times. He is currently writing his own book, which centers on his experiences as a migrant student in the American educational system, and has contributed to other written works twice. Miguel is a national keynote and motivational speaker whose passion is to inspire immigrants, migrants, and Hispanic families and communities.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/miguelmigrant

    Website: miguelmigrant.com/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Gabriella Bermea.

    Gabriella is a senior associate and architect at Perkins Eastman. She was raised along the Texas-Mexico border and brings a unique perspective to her work, ensuring that every design is a reflection of the people it serves—honoring culture, history, and the diversity of needs across rural and urban school districts. Gabriella is a highly sought-after author, speaker, and facilitator who develops content centered on K-12 development, educational architecture, community design, expanded access to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and design education.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:16 - My Leadership Story
    18:48 - Public Education Architecture
    33:08 - Design Architect
    35:09 - Latina Leaders
    41:18 - Mentorship
    43:55 - Latino Communities
    46:37 - Equity and Access
    48:59 - Guiding Principles

    Gabriella Bermea is driven by a passion for creating equitable and inspiring educational environments. She brings a deep commitment to community-centered design and public education, drawing from her heritage and love for the places that shaped her. Gabriella integrates inclusive design, sustainable architecture, and stakeholder engagement to build schools that serve as the heart of their communities. She also brings experience in the architecture, philanthropy, and advocacy industries to her work. Gabriella is known for fostering strong client relationships and frequently shares her insights on educational architecture, expanding access to STEM fields, and the power of community in shaping the future.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriella-bermea-aia

    Instagram: instagram.com/gabbybermea/

    Facebook: facebook.com/gabriella.bermea

    Website: perkinseastman.com

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an inspiring conversation with his featured guest — Jorge Lopez.

    Jorge was not supposed to become a teacher, counselor, CEO, or member of the California State School Board. In fact, based on the statistics, he wasn't supposed to make it at all. Jorge, a former high school dropout, has a deeply personal mission: to break the cycle of underachievement and disconnection that has trapped so many Latino and Black students.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:50 - My Leadership Story
    26:06 - Amethod Public Schools
    33:00 - Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement
    40:34 - Teamwork
    45:00 - Aspira Foundation
    48:40 - Principal
    52:07 - Political Dog Fights
    57:13 - Guiding Principles

    Jorge Lopez is a leader who wakes up every day with one goal in mind: to create lasting, transformative impact in the lives of underserved families and communities. With over 25 years in education and the nonprofit world, he made it his mission to ensure that opportunity and equity aren’t just ideals but realities for the people and organizations he serves. Jorge’s journey began as the first-generation son of Mexican immigrants who moved to the San Francisco Bay Area for a better life. He was raised in Richmond, California, and educated in the public schools of Richmond and Berkeley. Jorge witnessed firsthand the challenges our communities face—and the resilience they possess.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jorgellopez06

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an informative conversation with his featured guest — Melissa España.

    Melissa has dedicated 28 years of her life to education, with 19 of those years serving as an administrator. Being a proud Latina woman, she has had the opportunity to work in various urban school districts in New Jersey. Melissa is focused on providing the best possible education to the communities and students she is privileged to serve.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:55 - My Leadership Story
    15:28 - Assistant Superintendent of Schools
    22:51 - Educational Leadership
    34:41 - Mentorship
    37:17 - Latina Leaders
    42:12 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    44:00 - Guiding Principles

    Melissa España was born in New York City and moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey when she was five. Her Cuban American mother and stepfather raised her, and she is also of Ecuadorian descent. Melissa attended school in Elizabeth and later went to Kean University in Union, New Jersey. Growing up, she was passionate about dancing and dreamt of performing on Broadway. However, when Melissa was in college, her mother suggested that she consider teaching, as her mother believed Melissa had a natural talent for captivating an audience. Taking her mother’s advice, Melissa began teaching and had the opportunity to work with bilingual children in a second grade classroom at the Elizabeth Public Schools. She later pursued a master's degree in bilingual education and obtained administrative certifications. Throughout her teaching career, Melissa continued to pursue her love for dance, particularly salsa and Latin dance, and immersed herself in the vibrant Hispanic music culture for over 20 years. Melissa has two wonderful sons, Steven and Evan. Evan is a junior in high school, and Steven is in his fifth year of college, studying to be an architect. Melissa has had the privilege of working in Elizabeth, East Orange, Perth Amboy, and now in Paterson, New Jersey, where she serves as the assistant superintendent overseeing the high schools.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-españa-baa077260

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a delightful conversation with his featured guest — Liteove Rodriguez-Tighe.

    Lita is an educational consultant specializing in early childhood education. She was the director of early childhood education for the Passaic Public Schools in New Jersey. Lita successfully led a preschool program whose classrooms are featured on the New Jersey Department of Education website, and she developed and implemented a systematic approach to support multilingual learners in the preschool settings.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:58 - My Leadership Story
    32:36 - Early Childhood Education
    37:54 - Educational Leadership
    43:11 - Leading Buy-In
    49:17 - COVID-19
    53:33 - Family Engagement
    57:36 - Teamwork
    1:02:48 - Guiding Principles

    Liteove Rodriguez-Tighe is a first-generation Cuban-American, born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where her family settled after leaving Cuba in the late 1960s. As the youngest of three, with siblings significantly older than her and born in Cuba, she grew up in a bilingual household. Her father, who was educated and bilingual, worked long hours, and her mother, who had only limited schooling and spoke no English, struggled to engage with Lita's school due to language barriers. Despite these challenges, Lita developed a strong love for learning, often choosing books and notebooks over toys.

    Lita started as a preschool teacher in a private provider setting and later taught in the Elizabeth Public Schools in New Jersey. In 2004, she became a vice principal, and by 2007, she was promoted to principal of a dual language preschool program. Lita eventually accepted a position in Passaic, New Jersey, where she concluded her career as the director of early childhood education. Throughout her career, Lita has been dedicated to supporting multilingual learners, fostering family engagement, and building strong, collaborative teams.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liteove-rodriguez-tighe-825736129

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a wonderful conversation with his featured guest — Yolanda Valdez.

    Yolanda is a seasoned educator with an unwavering dedication to improving students' lives through education. With an impressive career spanning 34 years, she has touched countless hearts and minds, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape. Yolanda has a great passion for empowering leaders and inspiring excellence.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:54 - My Leadership Story
    16:34 - Superintendent of Schools
    19:55 - Educational Leadership
    26:37 - Latina Leaders
    30:51 - Engaging the Community
    37:32 - Teamwork
    39:08 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    41:41 - Guiding Principles

    Yolanda Valdez is a distinguished school administrator and has held leadership positions at all school levels. Currently, she is the superintendent of Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District in California, serving 4,000 students, primarily Hispanic and English language learners, all of whom qualify for the free lunch program. Yolanda has increased graduation rates, doubled acceptance rates to the University of California and California State University, created new pathways and academies, and significantly upgraded school district facilities.

    Yolanda earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fresno State University. She is involved in the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, the Tulare Charter Association of California School Administrators, and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA). Yolanda's mantra is "Dream Big, Work Hard, Give Back," reflecting her dedication to education and servant leadership.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yolanda-valdez-b35a9342

    Instagram: instagram.com/yolandavaldez0906/

    Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.valdez.75436

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an interesting conversation with his featured guest — Marcela Andrés.

    Marcela is the president and CEO of designEDengagement, a Latina-owned education consulting company headquartered in Texas. She is the author of the book Purposeful Educator Connections: Five Principles to Strengthen Relationships with Students. Marcela maintains an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of connections, especially engaging families, educators, and communities as partners to support students in fulfilling their life's purpose.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:14 - My Leadership Story
    16:16 - designEDengagement
    23:30 - Purposeful Educator Connections
    33:44 - Understand Context
    38:15 - Meaningful Interactions
    41:00 - Oxygen Masks
    44:00 - Educational Leadership
    46:58 - Guiding Principles

    Marcela Andrés leads an education consulting firm on a mission to reimagine how educators, families, and community members partner to support the hopes and dreams of students. She has developed innovative programs and curricula that have effectively transformed the landscape of family engagement within the education sector by advancing organizational excellence and fostering meaningful relationships.

    Marcela was a program director of Raise Your Hand Texas and an operations manager at KIPP Austin Public Schools. She was also a third- and fourth-grade teacher at a bilingual elementary school in Mexico. Marcela has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Saint Edward's University and a master's degree in education from Harvard University.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcelaandres

    Website: marcelaandres.com/

    Instagram: instagram.com/designedengagement/

    Facebook: facebook.com/designEDengagement

    YouTube: youtube.com/@designedengagementpbc7882

    Website: designedengagement.com/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Raquel Martinez.

    Raquel is the planning principal for Sageview High School in Pasco, Washington. In addition, Raquel serves as the 2024-2025 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Board President.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:49 - My Leadership Story
    13:41 - Principal
    16:08 - NASSP President
    21:52 - Educational Leadership
    26:20 - Latina Leader
    29:34 - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
    35:46 - Talent and Potential
    39:49 - Guiding Principles

    Raquel Martinez is in her second year as principal at Sageview High School and has worked in education for 18 years. Previously, she served as the principal of Stevens Middle School for six years and the assistant principal for three years. Raquel taught biology at Pasco High School for nearly 10 years. During her final year at Pasco High School, she was the bilingual facilitator.

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an invigorating conversation with his featured guest — Leslie Torres-Rodriguez.

    Leslie has woven her personal journey into her mission as superintendent and CEO of the Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut. Her leadership is characterized by its cultural courage, fostering environments that support holistic student growth. Having arrived in Hartford as a multilingual learner, Leslie embodies the transformative power of education.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:24 - My Leadership Story
    19:16 - Superintendent of Schools and CEO
    33:28 - Equity-Focused District Model for Excellence
    37:01 - Educational Leadership
    39:04 - Latina Leader
    41:47 - Family and Community Engagement
    43:47 - Generative Artificial Intelligence
    45:13 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She moved to Hartford, Connecticut when she was nine years old. Leslie is a proud alumna of the Hartford Public Schools.

    Leslie has dedicated nearly three decades to the educational landscape of Greater Hartford. In her role as superintendent of schools and CEO, Leslie has left an indelible mark on the educational ecosystem, reshaping the learning experience for over 17,000 students across 42 diverse educational settings.

    In addition to her professional endeavors, Leslie brings a wealth of teaching experience to her leadership role. She taught social and behavioral science at Capital Community College for seven years and currently serves as a lecturer at Yale University. Leslie's legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-leslie-torres-rodriguez-442bba103

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Fiorella Cabrejos.

    Fiorella is a master principal at the New York City Public Schools. She has dedicated her career to building opportunities by dismantling apathy and mediocrity in education, particularly for children from historically marginalized communities.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:48 - My Leadership Story
    16:37 - Master Principal
    19:34 - Fordham Leadership Academy
    24:38 - Educational Leadership
    26:21 - Latina Leader
    29:48 - Homelessness
    33:27 - Transforming Instruction
    39:50 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Fiorella Cabrejos was born in Lima, Peru, and raised in White Plains, New York. She brings a unique perspective to her role as school leader as both a former public school student and immigrant and a former English language learner. As principal of Fordham Leadership Academy in Bronx, New York City, since 2015, Fiorella has significantly enhanced student achievement through redesigned systems and innovative programming focused on college and career readiness, aimed at tackling systemic equity issues in education. Her initiatives include integrating city and state-sponsored college and career training into the larger scope of academic experiences, fostering partnerships for dual enrollment and internships, while ensuring access to quality tier-1 core instruction and responsive literacy programming for all students. Currently a master principal under the Chancellor's directive, Fiorella supports and scales effective leadership practices district-wide. She holds a doctorate in education from Fordham University and master’s degrees in school administration and supervision and secondary education.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-fiorella-cabrejos-ed-d-39b0227b

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a revealing and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — A.C. Cristales.

    A.C. is a speaker, author, and an advocate for educational empowerment and organizational culture. He has delivered professional development programs across the United States and in Central America, striving to enhance educational practices and environments. A.C. emphasizes the positive impact of family engagement on academic success.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:55 - My Leadership Story
    23:40 - Assistant Principal
    29:38 - The School of Hard Knocks
    32:20 - Cristales Leadership Group
    38:30 - Mission-Driven Life
    43:58 - Latino Leadership
    49:00 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    51:47 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. A.C. Cristales was born and raised in Garland, Texas. Despite a challenging upbringing after his father's departure when he was eight, he graduated from high school in three years and began his higher education journey at Richland College. While working as a bilingual classroom aide in the Garland Independent School District, A.C. became a third-grade newcomer teacher and pursued a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas.

    By age 23, A.C. earned a master’s in education administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce and rapidly advanced to assistant principal at 24, a role he held for eight years. He then transitioned to educational consulting and motivational speaking. In 2022, A.C. earned his doctorate in higher education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, focusing his research on Latino student support and the impact of family engagement on academic achievement.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/accristales

    Website: acspeaks.com/

    Facebook: facebook.com/ACCristalesfan/

    Instagram: instagram.com/ac_cristales/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an open and honest conversation with his featured guest — Johanna Moya Fábregas.

    Johanna is a dedicated Latin American immigrant with 20 years of experience in education. She currently serves as the executive director of Con Mi MADRE, a non-profit organization operating in Central Texas and Austin.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:48 - My Leadership Story
    21:34 - Con Mi MADRE
    36:55 - SB-17 vs. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    48:22 - Educational Leadership
    55:26 - Latina Leaders
    59:13 - Listening and Leading
    1:02:49 - Latino Communities and the Future of America
    1:06:45 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas draws on her extensive background in non-profit work, higher education, and public education to emphasize collaboration across various sectors. Her key areas of focus include intercultural communication, fundraising, research, storytelling, and leadership. Johanna aims to highlight the significance of multicultural education and empowerment.

    Johanna leads Con Mi MADRE to prepare the next generation of Latinas, with the involvement of their mother, to successfully graduate high school, complete a college degree on time, and enter the workforce. Con Mi MADRE partners with local school districts to provide a curriculum focused on social-emotional learning and college readiness to students from sixth grade through their college years.

    Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies and French from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean studies and a doctorate in history from Indiana University-Bloomington.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johannamoyaf

    Website: conmimadre.org/

    Facebook: facebook.com/ConMiMADRE/

    Instagram: instagram.com/conmimadre/

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/con-mi-madre/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a heartfelt conversation with his featured guest — Ivonne Díaz-Claisse.

    Ivonne is the founder and CEO of Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA), a nonprofit organization with the mission of inspiring students to discover their potential and igniting their desire to embrace education and achieve success. Ivonne was born in Puerto Rico, and her passion for mathematics brought her to the United States more than 30 years ago.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:55 - My Leadership Story
    17:26 - HISPA
    24:35 - My Diversity Journey
    28:02 - AT&T
    34:08 - Latina Leaders
    36:32 - Latino Voices and the Future of America
    40:30 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse mobilizes Latino professionals to serve as HISPA Role Models in educational programs in the communities where they live and work. Under her guidance, HISPA has created innovative educational programs, recruited 3,000 volunteers, and conducted 2,864 HISPA Role Model Program sessions, positively impacting the educational journey of over 24,000 students to date.

    Ivonne is passionate about the Latino educational pipeline and leads by example as a HISPA Role Model. She has shared her story nationwide with thousands of students and has served as a keynote speaker to over 70 companies. Ivonne has spoken at numerous universities, including the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Columbia, Princeton, and Rutgers, and at many national conferences. Under her leadership, HISPA received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2020) and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics’ “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education” (2015).

    Ivonne holds other leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and serving as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant to various organizations. Her professional background includes a 10-year career at AT&T as an operations research analyst. Ivonne holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico; a master’s degree in engineering in operations research from Cornell University; a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland; and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Arizona State University.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ivonne-diaz-claisse

    Website: hispa.org/

    HISPA Role Model Portal: portal.hispa.org/

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hispa/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an uplifting conversation with his featured guest — Javier Cortez Infantas.

    Javier was born and raised in Lima, Peru. He moved to the United States to attend business school. Javier is currently the Deputy Chief of Finance at Leading Educators. Throughout his career, Javier has served as a private equity manager, head of finance for a motion picture unit of Intercorp, and has held financial leadership roles at KIPP New Orleans and Orleans Parish School Board.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:10 - My Leadership Story
    16:44 - Schools in Peru and the United States
    23:50 - Leading Educators
    26:27 - Career Change
    31:09 - NOLA Public Schools
    37:37 - The Broad Residency
    41:46 - Private Sector Leadership
    45:04 - KIPP New Orleans Schools
    47:43 - Guiding Principles

    Javier Cortez Infantas is originally from Peru and currently resides in Memphis, TN. He worked as a School Finance Senior Officer at NOLA Public Schools, the second largest school system in Louisiana, serving more than 44,500 students. Javier is the former Director of Finance at KIPP New Orleans Schools, the largest charter management organization in Orleans Parish.

    Javier has private sector experience as Head of Finance and Strategic Planning at the major movie theater chain in Peru, leading a team to perform the financial analysis of new locations in Peru and Chile. He is an Advisory Board Member for Edstruments. In his free time, Javier enjoys watching and playing soccer with his son, exploring restaurants, and going to heavy metal concerts.

    Javier earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Universidad del Pacífico, an M.B.A. in corporate finance and strategy from Duke University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The Broad Center at Yale University.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/javier-cortez-infantas-29737917

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a delightful conversation with his featured guest — Peter Cordero.

    Pete is from Los Angeles, CA, and comes from a family of educators. He has a strong passion for education and the belief that all kids can achieve, with an effective teacher being the key factor. Pete has a diverse background in the private and public sectors, leading various K–12 non-profit and school system organizations.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:56 - My Leadership Story
    15:42 - BloomBoard
    18:13 - Career Change
    24:27 - Partnership to Uplift Communities
    27:42 - The Broad Center
    35:22 - Achievement Gap
    48:44 - Private Sector Leadership
    51:02 - Amethod Public Schools
    54:36 - Guiding Principles

    Peter Cordero is the VP of Partner Success with BloomBoard, an education technology company. He leads a team that supports partner K-12 districts and universities to offer degree, workforce, and teacher certification programs in an effort to recruit, advance, and retain teachers.

    Pete has 30 years of public and private sector experience. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Amethod Public Schools (AMPS), a high-performing charter school system serving over 2,000 Bay Area students. Pete led the operations, finance, and talent teams. Prior to AMPS, he was the Director of the Broad Residency in Urban Education, a two year nationwide leadership development program. Pete started his education career as Director of School Support Services at the Partnership to Uplift Communities (PUC) Charter Network in Los Angeles, CA.

    Before transitioning into the education sector in 2007, Pete worked in multiple sales leadership roles with midsized and Fortune 500 companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern California and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. Pete is also a graduate of the 2007-2009 class of the Broad Residency in Urban Education.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pete-cordero

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a riveting conversation with his featured guest — David Arencibia.

    David is a renowned educational leader, speaker, leadership development trainer, and author of Foundations of an Elite Culture. With over two decades of experience in various educational roles, David has dedicated his career to empowering those around him through intentional and positive leadership.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:08 - My Leadership Story
    18:34 - Principal of the Year
    23:32 - Educational Speaker
    28:53 - Foundations of an Elite Culture
    30:34 - 988
    40:04 - Elite Values
    44:04 - Elite Awareness
    48:09 - Elite Engagement
    52:43 - Elite Team
    59:07 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. David Arencibia is a highly sought-after keynote speaker. His notable accolades include being named a 2023 National Principal of the Year finalist, the 2022 Texas Secondary Principal of the Year, and a 2022 TEXAN of the Year finalist by the Dallas Morning News.

    David's school earned recognition from US News & World Report as one of the Best Schools in Texas and the United States. The school achieved significant milestones, including National Recognition as a Model Campus, Texas School to Watch status, and National PTA School of Excellence. David has been featured in EducationWeek, NASSP’s Leadership Magazines, and the best-selling book The Energy Bus for Schools.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidarencibia

    Website: davidarencibia.com

    Instagram: instagram.com/dr.arencibia/

    Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090256870530

    YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCP0GLJAX4P8LceOC9xhF23A

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for an encouraging conversation with his featured guest — Alma Gonzalez de Castillo.

    Alma is the assistant superintendent of schools for the Pflugerville Independent School District in Texas. She is a researcher and a highly accomplished educator who leads the design of systems that create equitable learning environments for all students. Alma takes most pride in developing the cultural awareness of leaders and its implications on their systemic practices.

    1:03 - Introduction
    2:00 - My Leadership Story
    18:55 - Assistant Superintendent of Schools
    23:00 - Culturally Relevant Leadership
    26:10 - Educational Leadership
    29:53 - Latina Leaders
    35:15 - Becoming Bilingual, Bicultural, and Biliterate
    39:20 - Guiding Principles

    Dr. Alma Gonzalez de Castillo has over 20 years of experience in K-12 education and organizational leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas in San Antonio, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus in leadership from Texas A&M International University, and a doctorate in learning and organizational change from Baylor University. Alma has been recognized for her transformative contributions to education, including garnishing a Blue Ribbon School designation, implementing the Teacher Incentive Allotment, launching a Newcomer Academy, designing mentoring programs, and developing K-12 educational leaders.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/almagonzalezdecastillo

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]

  • Join host Pablo Muñoz for a captivating conversation with his featured guest — Andrés Acebo.

    Andy is the proud first-generation son of Cuban exiles and a Hudson County native who grew up in Union City, New Jersey. In January 2023, he became only the second Hispanic to serve as the leader of a four-year public institution of higher education in New Jersey. Andy is the youngest known president to ever lead a public university in New Jersey.

    1:03 - Introduction
    1:54 - My Leadership Story
    24:58 - Public Schools
    38:23 - New Jersey City University
    47:56 - Latino Identity
    55:55 - Social Mobility
    1:03:06 - Cuban American Alliance for Leadership and Education
    1:08:44 - Community Engagement
    1:13:22 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader
    1:18:02 - Guiding Principles

    Andrés Acebo is the interim president of New Jersey City University. In addition, he served as executive vice president, university counsel, and chief of staff at NJCU. Andy was a partner at the DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole, and Giblin law firm. In May 2024, ROI-NJ named him the No. 1 ranked Influencer in New Jersey Higher Education.

    Andy has demonstrated extraordinary vision, guiding New Jersey City University from a fiscal emergency to a remarkable recovery, which will be a case study throughout higher education. He helped orchestrate three major strategic initiatives: the release of the NJCU Recovery and Revitalization Plan, the introduction of the university's first Academic Master Plan, and the institution’s first Strategic Enrollment Plan.

    Andy has a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a law degree from Rutgers University.

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aacebo

    Website: njcu.edu/about/office-president

    Instagram: instagram.com/njcupresident/

    Email: [email protected]


    Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

    Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

    For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com

    Learn about The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

    Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

    Email: [email protected]