Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Carmen Vargas.

Carmen is the director of multilingual programs and world languages for Peekskill City School District in New York. She is a proud Latina leader and former English language learner. Carmen is passionate about empowering multilingual students, families, and communities through advocacy, equity, and culturally responsive education.

1:03 - Introduction

2:03 - My Leadership Story

18:59 - Motherhood

20:31 - Multilingual Learners

25:26 - Empowering Latino Families

30:43 - Latina Leaders

34:48 - Language, Culture, and Identity

38:10 - Early Childhood Education

42:05 - Guiding Principles

49:08 - Coda

Carmen Vargas was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at the age of 10. Her personal experience as a former English language learner continues to shape her passion to advocate for multilingual students and families. Carmen has more than 28 years of experience in bilingual education and has served in several leadership roles, including principal of Uriah Hill Jr. Elementary School.

Carmen received a bachelor’s degree from Lehman College. She holds a master’s degree from Mercy College. Carmen received a second master’s degree from Fordham University.

Website: peekskillcsd.org/home-21

Email: cvargas@peekskillschools.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

Purchase 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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Diurca Lugo-Tomasella.

Diurca is the founding principal of Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School in Waterbury, Connecticut. She is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in bilingual, regular, and Spanish education. Diurca is an award-winning principal honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents for her outstanding leadership in bilingual education.

1:03 - Introduction

2:14 - My Leadership Story

15:45 - Dual Language School

19:30 - Culturally Responsive Leadership

21:51 - Ensuring Every Child Achieves

24:42 - Focus on the Whole Child

27:12 - Resilience, Adaptability, and High Expectations

29:23 - Mindset and Instruction

32:34 - Guiding Principles

Diurca Lugo-Tomasella is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) with professional development training in the major areas of world-class schooling, vision, and goals. She was awarded the Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC) National Principal Fellowship 2024. Diurca is an active member of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).

Diurca received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Western Connecticut State University. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport. Diurca was awarded the Superintendent’s Impact of the Year Award 2026 by the Waterbury Public Schools.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diurca-lugo-tomasella-9b61064a

Email: dtomasella@waterbury.k12.ct.us

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

Purchase 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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a marvelous conversation with his featured guest — Georgina Rivera.

Georgina is a school principal in West Hartford, Connecticut. She is a leader in equitable math instruction, teacher leadership, culturally relevant practice, and multilingual learners. Georgina is a nationally recognized thought leader, author, and keynote speaker in mathematics education and leadership.

1:03 - Introduction

1:58 - My Leadership Story

28:56 - Charter Oak International Academy

35:24 - STEM

41:14 - Equity-Focused Leadership

46:57 - Promoting Teacher Agency

52:10 - Author

56:27 - Multilingual Learners

1:04:29 - Cognitive Load

1:07:14 - Guiding Principles

Georgina Rivera is the principal of Charter Oak International Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program school in West Hartford, Connecticut. She previously served as a middle school mathematics teacher, district-wide elementary mathematics coach, and elementary education STEM supervisor. Georgina is an author, and her book titles include Math by the Book (Grade 1), Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Math, Culturally Relevant Mathematics Leadership, and the K-5 and 6-8 Reveal Math Textbook Series by McGraw Hill.

Georgina received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in mathematics education from Central Connecticut State University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgina-rivera-m-ed-b582aa272

Email: georginarivera123@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

Purchase 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: pablo@themunozcompany.com