Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Raymond González.Ray is a dedicated Puerto Rican educator with over 25 years in education and has been a superintendent of schools for 13 years across various environments.  His broad experience fosters an inclusive, adaptive leadership style, keen on serving every student's needs.1:03 - Introduction2:00 - My Leadership Story25:20 - Superintendent of Schools35:31 - Engaging with the Community39:37 - Inclusivity and Educational Equity42:35 - Princeton University and the Latino Identity 46:19 - Latino Leadership50:39 - Educational Leadership54:18 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader57:37 - Guiding PrinciplesDr. Raymond González is a dedicated husband, father of three children, and educator with a successful track record of school and district-level administrative experiences.  Ray is the superintendent of school  for the Westfield Public Schools in New Jersey.  In addition, he was superintendent of the Westwood Regional School District for seven years.  Ray also served as the superintendent in Wayne Township; interim superintendent and assistant superintendent of Hackensack Public Schools; and assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and special education at the Paterson Public Schools.Ray earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision from Rutgers University; a master’s degree in urban education from New Jersey City University; and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Princeton University.LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/raymond-gonzalez-84886890X:  x.com/DrRayGonEmail: rgonzalez@westfieldnjk12.orgLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and refreshing conversation with his featured guest — Alma Morel.Alma is a seasoned professional with 25 years of dedication to the field of education.  She has worked in administrative roles at schools and the central office, at the New Jersey Department of Education, and she has served as a board of education member.  Alma brings a wealth of experience and insight to every aspect of educational leadership and governance.1:03 - Introduction2:00 - My Leadership Story31:14 - New Jersey Department of Education36:19 - Assistant Superintendent44:30 - Cultural Competence 51:15 - Reflective Leadership53:48 - Educational Leadership1:02:52 - Teamwork1:05:32 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader1:11:18 - Guiding PrinciplesDr. Alma Morel was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.  She is a product of the Newark Public Schools.  Alma is of Puerto Rican descent.  She is a wife, mother of three, and a 25-year educator.  She has her Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development.  Alma is the assistant superintendent of the Lyndhurst Public Schools in Bergen County, New Jersey.Alma unwinds from work by enjoying her time with her extended family for family dinners, camping trips, and game nights.  She is active in her community as a member of the Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Month committee, and during the spring she plays in her town’s women’s softball league.LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/alma-morel-phd-95136515Email:   almamorel@lyndhurst.k12.nj.usLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an informative conversation with his featured guest — Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana.Thelma is a former bilingual teacher, principal, superintendent, and Assistant Secretary of Education for the US Department of Education.  Thelma dedicated her career to ensuring that all students, particularly disadvantaged ones, succeed in school through high-quality teaching and learning.  1:03 - Introduction2:00 - My Leadership Story25:45 - Authenticity32:12 - Resilience44:35 - Empathy54:32 - Educational Leadership 59:48 - Latina Leaders1:05:13 - United States Department of Education1:10:00 - Superintendent of Schools1:12:04 - Guiding PrinciplesDr. Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana is a retired superintendent of schools who successfully served in three California school districts.  Thelma has a wealth of experience from her 38-year career in public education.  The American Association of School Administrators named her the California Superintendent of the Year in 2009.  In addition, Thelma served as the Chief Executive Officer in the Office of Educational Services for the Los Angeles Unified School District and served as the senior education advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.  She is a Trustee on The J. Paul Getty Trust and is Trustee Emerita of the California State University system.Thelma earned a bachelor of arts, cum laude, from UCLA and a Ph.D. from USC.  She received an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University.  Thelma is the recipient of the 2012 Alumni Merit Award from the USC Alumni Association, the 2011 Mexican American Opportunity Foundation’s National Hispanic Woman of the Year, and Hispanic Business Magazine’s 2010 Woman of the Year.LinkedIn:  llinkedin.com/in/thelma-melendez-5b762515Email: thelma.melendez@gmail.comLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a riveting conversation with his featured guest — Peter Rosario.Peter is the President and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro, which is the largest Latinx organization in New Jersey.  La Casa de Don Pedro is based in Newark, New Jersey.  The organization's work is centered around three key pillars:  Community Empowerment, Early Childhood, and Healthy Homes.  1:03 - Introduction2:11 - My Leadership Story18:23 - Parent Advocate22:00 - Board of Education23:01 - Policy, Governance, and Student Engagement29:00 - La Casa de Don Pedro36:15 - Servant Leader38:13 - YMCA41:38 - Educational Equity and Desegregation45:20 - Authentic Empathy48:17 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader50:55 - Guiding PrinciplesPeter Rosario leads and serves with La Casa de Don Pedro’s 280 employees, who collectively impact upwards of 50,000 people per year through programs that foster self-sufficiency, empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization.  As La Casa celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, Peter’s highest priorities include racial and social justice, affordable homeownership, high-quality early childhood education, and addressing the ongoing impact of COVID-19 that continues to disproportionally impact BIPOC communities.Throughout his 26-year nonprofit career, Peter distinguished himself in multiple executive leadership, operational, and fundraising roles for the YMCA and the Boy Scouts of America.  He served two terms as president, vice president, chairman of five committees, and member on the Passaic Board of Education in New Jersey.Peter grew up in South Bronx, New York.  He is a Fordham University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications. LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/peterrosarioEmail: prosario@lacasanwk.orgLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an encouraging conversation with his featured guest — Carlos Rodriguez.Carlos is a respected higher education leader and currently serves as Vice President of Administration and Strategic Analytics at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.  With his expertise in leveraging data for excellence, Carlos drives innovation and student success. 1:03 - Introduction2:00 - My Leadership Story14:50 - New Jersey Department of Education20:18 - Kean University29:41 - Leading with Purpose and Values37:07 - Navigating Dual Cultures 43:07 - Educational Equity50:31 - Resilience and Overcoming Adversity  53:17 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader55:55 - Guiding PrinciplesDr. Carlos Rodriguez is an accomplished leader in higher education with a profound commitment to excellence and innovation.  He spearheads initiatives aimed at optimizing institutional operations and leveraging data insights for strategic decision-making.Carlos earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rider University, where he developed a strong foundation in administration and data analysis.  He further advanced his academic pursuits by obtaining a doctoral degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in Higher Education Administration.Throughout his career, Carlos has demonstrated a keen ability to blend academic theory with practical application, driving transformative change within educational landscapes.  His expertise in strategic planning, analytics, and administration has contributed significantly to Kean University's mission of fostering student success and institutional growth.Instagram:  instagram.com/dr.crodriguezLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/crod03Email:  carlrodr@kean.eduLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an inspiring conversation with his featured guest — Connie Sánchez.Connie is the Executive Director of Unity Charter School in Morristown, New Jersey.  Connie led Unity’s transformation from a Tier 3 to a Tier 1 school—the highest charter school ranking based on student academic performance.  She credits her school’s success to her "homegrown" team.  Connie is Hispanic, a first-generation American, and she takes enormous pride in being her family's first college graduate.1:03 - Introduction2:08 - My Leadership Story11:49 - Air Force20:50 - Financial Business Sector31:49 - Career Change36:00 - Unity Charter School Leadership43:20 - COVID-19 Pandemic47:47 - Caring, Mentoring, and Relationships49:20 - Homegrown Leadership50:45 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader52:10 - Guiding PrinciplesDr. Connie Sánchez is a visionary leader committed to academic excellence.  Under her guidance, Unity Charter School has become a Tier 1 institution, blending core curriculum with ecological sustainability.  Connie fosters eco-literate citizens, empowering students to protect the planet.  With expertise in STEM and language arts, honed through roles like Peer Instructor at the Merck Institute, she elevates curriculum standards.  Previously, as a National Training Officer at Smith Barney, she developed impactful programs for financial advisors nationwide.  Connie's accolades include awards for Technology Innovation and the 2011 Keys to Excellence Award for outstanding performance in science education.LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/connie-sanchez-ed-d-39132b61Email:  connie.sanchez@unitycharterschool.orgLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enriching conversation with his featured guest — Raúl Burgos.Raúl is passionate about leadership and adding value to people.  He has invested in his community for 33 years.  Raúl believes in leaving a legacy and leaving a better world for future generations.1:03 - Introduction2:10 - My Leadership Story18:00 - Board of Education24:49 - Maxwell Leadership35:26 - Relationships in Your Community39:20 - Un Momento para Líderes 44:13 - Teamwork52:53 - Be Fruitful Where You’re Planted 1:01:55 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader1:08:00 - Vision and Legacy1:10:16 - Guiding PrinciplesRaúl Burgos is the Founder of the “Dominicana Se Transforma” initiative.  Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s to become Eastern Territory Program Director at the Salvation Army.  Raúl has a master's degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of “The Eli Broad Foundation for Education Reform” (Salt Lake City, UT; Williamsburg, VA; Austin, TX; and Atlanta, GA).Since 2008, through the John Maxwell Foundation initiative called “One Million Leaders,” Raúl has served as a leadership coach and consultant for Latin America.  For 12 years he was commissioner and president of the Elizabeth Board of Education in New Jersey.  He is currently an executive consultant for Every Nation of Nashville, Tennessee and Grace Institute of Fayetteville, North Carolina.  For 22 years he has been founder and president of the Elizabeth NJ Community Foundation, Inc.Learn more about Raúl:  https://bit.ly/3UucPWbInstagram:  https://bit.ly/3UsX81sYouTube:  https://bit.ly/3upsuveLinkedIn:  https://bit.ly/3SMCybmEmail:  rauljburgos@yahoo.comLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

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, 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 Story15:40 - National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)19:36 - School Leadership30:21 - Bring Your Own Sunshine 34:55 - Latina Leaders41:45 - Personal Theory of Action46:14 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader49:19 - Guiding PrinciplesElise Genao received her bachelor’s in Psychology from Northeastern University and her master’s 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.  She has served public schools, Head Start, and private providers in New Jersey as a preschool teacher, curriculum supervisor, instructional coach, adjunct professor, and a school principal.  Elise has supported students, teachers, and parents in urban and suburban settings spanning grades PreK-8.  She has three beautiful daughters and continues her collaborative work with educators at NIEER.Learn more about Elise:  sites.google.com/view/eliseagenao/homeLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/elise-genao-683292277Email:  EliseAGenao@gmail.comLatino 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.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a fascinating introduction to his new podcast -- Latino Leaders.Latino Leaders podcast is dedicated to developing the leadership skills of current and prospective PreK-12 school administrators.1:03 - Welcome to Latino Leaders 2:46 - Episode Overview3:21 - Why Latino Leaders podcast?5:32 - My Leadership Story17:00 - Latino Identity29:00 - Be My Guest29:44 - Episode SummaryIn future episodes, listen to host Pablo Muñoz as he interviews accomplished Latina and Latino public education leaders. Each episode features a conversation between Pablo and a guest who shares advice, resources, and insightful stories to help you grow as a leader.Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.comLearn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munozEmail:  pablo@themunozcompany.comLinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1