Encore 1 — Reimagine, Innovate, and Transform with Adrian Bustillos

Building Coherent Schools with Mercedes Fonseca

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an outstanding conversation with his featured guest — Mercedes Fonseca. Mercedes is an education leader and advocate for multilingual learners focused on helping schools create coherent, student-centered systems.  Her work is grounded in comunidad, opportunity, and impact.  Mercedes is the director of academics for TNTP in Dallas, Texas, where she works at the intersection of curriculum, leadership, biliteracy, and educational access. 1:03 - Introduction 2:06 - My Leadership Story 25:55 - Pobrecito Syndrome 27:09 - Latinos for Education 28:19 - Building Coherent Schools 32:01 - AI Integration 33:17 - Digital Promise 34:22 - Ultimate Test of a School System 38:00 - Latina Leaders 42:04 - Code Switching 43:36 - Belonging Before Achievement 46:41 - Hidden Cost of Mixed Messages 50:05 - Intentionally Designed Pathways 55:28 - Guiding Principles Mercedes Fonseca is a first-generation Latina education leader, speaker, and instructional coherence strategist with more than 20 years of experience supporting schools and districts across the country.  She has partnered with more than 30 school systems to strengthen curriculum implementation, instructional leadership, and equitable learning experiences for historically underserved students.  Mercedes frequently speaks at national and regional conferences on multilingual learner success, instructional coherence, belonging, and pathways to opportunity. Mercedes received a bachelor’s degree in professional administration from Barry University.  She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.  Mercedes is a proud alumna of Latinos for Education. LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/mercedes-fonseca-m-ed-aa487ba9 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-fonseca-m-ed-aa487ba9/] Email:  mercedes.fonseca@tntp.org [mercedes.fonseca@tntp.org] Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays. Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com [http://themunozcompany.com] Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm:  themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm [http://themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm] Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz [http://themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 [http://linkedin.com/in/pablo-mu%C3%B1oz-b30b2ab1] Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com [pablo@themunozcompany.com]

Latina Leader Breaking Cycles with Veronica Ruiz

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Veronica Ruiz. Veronica is a proud Latina woman born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut.  She is the co-founder and CEO of Visionary Youth CT.  Veronica is also the director of family, school, and community partnerships at Vernon Public Schools in Connecticut. 1:03 - Introduction 2:00 - My Leadership Story 25:54 - Family, School, and Community Partnerships 29:18 - Visionary Youth CT 40:03 - Youth Advocate Programs 42:46 - Our Piece of the Pie 45:33 - Latina Leader Breaking Cycles 49:51 - Capital City Education Alliance 52:27 - Guiding Principles Veronica Ruiz understands both the challenges and the resilience that exist within underserved communities.  Her experiences inspired her to dedicate her life and career to creating opportunities, resources, and safe spaces for youth and families.  Veronica has over 15 years of experience in human services, youth development, education, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership.  Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with marginalized and underserved populations, leading initiatives centered around equity, restorative practices, trauma-informed care, youth empowerment, and family engagement. Veronica received a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College.  She earned a second master’s degree in psychology from Capella University.  Veronica is currently a doctoral candidate at Capella University. LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/veronica-ruiz-co-founder-ceo-of-visionary-youth-18883067 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-ruiz-co-founder-ceo-of-visionary-youth-18883067/] Facebook:  facebook.com/people/Visionary-Youth/61584126427020/ [http://facebook.com/people/Visionary-Youth/61584126427020/] Email:  VeronicaRuiz2822@gmail.com [VeronicaRuiz2822@gmail.com] Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays. Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com [http://themunozcompany.com] Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm:  themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm [http://themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm] Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz [http://themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 [http://linkedin.com/in/pablo-mu%C3%B1oz-b30b2ab1] Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com [pablo@themunozcompany.com]

Leading with Humanity with Irella Pérez

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a passionate conversation with his featured guest — Irella Pérez. Irella is a transformative educational leader whose 35-year career spans from instructional assistant to superintendent.  She is grounded in an unwavering commitment to equity and multilingual excellence.  Irella is a Latina Chinese American immigrant scholar from Nicaragua and an author who brings a powerful voice to educational leadership. 1:03 - Introduction 2:14 - My Leadership Story 35:06 - Purpose and Resilience 44:24 - CLEAR 48:23 - Principal 53:37 - Suyensita and Her Adventures 58:15 - Leading with Humanity 1:00:39 - Board of Education 1:04:53 - Guiding Principles Dr. Irella Pérez was born and raised in Nicaragua amid war, dictatorship, and revolution, and her life has been shaped by resilience, displacement, and hope.  She has served as a superintendent, school board trustee, professor, consultant, executive leader, and author.  Irella is Superintendent in Residence for Renaissance Learning, where she serves as a strategic advisor advancing systems reform, transformational leadership, and public affairs. Irella received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature and a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Long Beach.  She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.  Irella is founder of the CALSA Hermanas Leading Network and co-founder of Athenas of Happiness. LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/dr-irella-perez-26a53036 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-irella-perez-26a53036/] Email:  drirellaperez@yahoo.com [drirellaperez@yahoo.com] Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays. Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com [http://themunozcompany.com] Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm:  themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm [http://themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm] Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz [http://themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 [http://linkedin.com/in/pablo-mu%C3%B1oz-b30b2ab1] Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com [pablo@themunozcompany.com]

Growing into Leadership with Manuel Zaldivar

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an informative conversation with his featured guest — Manuel Zaldivar. Manuel leads with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to uplifting others around him.  His journey is rooted in hard work, resilience, and a genuine connection to the communities he serves.  Manuel continues to inspire and embody the spirit of Latino leadership through his vision and authenticity. 1:03 - Introduction 2:02 - My Leadership Story 26:30 - Multilingual Programs 29:51 - Milken Educator Award 35:26 - Principal 40:40 - Growing into Leadership 43:27 - Assistant Principal 47:02 - Support System of People 50:58 - Guiding Principles Manuel Zaldivar was born in Honduras and immigrated to the United States in 1998.  His first job in the United States was as an elevator operator, an experience that taught him responsibility and perseverance.  Manuel began his journey into education through AmeriCorps, where he discovered his passion for working with students.  He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, intervention coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and multilingual supervisor.  Manuel is currently the acting assistant superintendent for the Waterbury Public Schools in Connecticut. Manuel received a bachelor’s degree in computer science and management applications from Fordham University.  He earned a master’s degree in childhood education from Lehman College.  Manuel won the Milken Educator Award for Connecticut in 2016. LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/manuel-zaldivar-b8b0a3368 [http://linkedin.com/in/manuel-zaldivar-b8b0a3368] Facebook:  facebook.com/manuel.zaldivar.7 [http://facebook.com/manuel.zaldivar.7] Email:  zaldivar21@hotmail.com [zaldivar21@hotmail.com] Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays. Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com [http://themunozcompany.com] Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm:  themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm [http://themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm] Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz [http://themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 [http://linkedin.com/in/pablo-mu%C3%B1oz-b30b2ab1] Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com [pablo@themunozcompany.com]

Encore 2 — Bring Your Own Sunshine with Elise Genao

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Elise Genao. Elise is a passionate Cuban American educator with a rich background in early childhood education and school leadership.  She journeyed from being a dedicated preschool teacher to an instructional coach, an adjunct professor, and now, a valued member of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), where she continues to make a profound impact on education for young learners. 1:03 - Introduction 2:00 - My Leadership Story 15:40 - National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) 19:36 - School Leadership 30:21 - Bring Your Own Sunshine 34:55 - Latina Leaders 41:45 - Personal Theory of Action 46:14 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader 49:19 - Guiding Principles Elise Genao received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern University and her master’s degree in early childhood education and school administration endorsement from William Paterson University.  She is a recipient of the New Jersey Diversity in Education Award—F.L.O.R. Foundation; the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI) Scholarship for The Latina Women's Advanced Leadership Program; and the Pacini International Scholarship, which allowed her to study Reggio Emilia practices abroad. Elise has served public schools, Head Start, and private providers in New Jersey as a preschool teacher, curriculum supervisor, instructional coach, adjunct professor, and school principal.  She has supported students, teachers, and parents in urban and suburban settings spanning grades PreK-8.  Elise has three beautiful daughters and continues her collaborative work with educators at NIEER. This Encore episode was first published as Latino Leaders Episode 2 on March 31, 2024. Learn more about Elise:  sites.google.com/view/eliseagenao/home [http://sites.google.com/view/eliseagenao/home] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/elise-genao-683292277 [http://linkedin.com/in/elise-genao-683292277] Email:  EliseAGenao@gmail.com [EliseAGenao@gmail.com] Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays. Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com [http://themunozcompany.com] Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm:  themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm [http://themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm] Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz [http://themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 [http://linkedin.com/in/pablo-mu%C3%B1oz-b30b2ab1] Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com [pablo@themunozcompany.com]