Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Erick Casallas.

Erick is a veteran educator with 25 years of experience who currently serves as the assistant superintendent of the English Language Learner (ELL) division for the Clark County School District in Nevada. He is a dedicated advocate for all students, with specialized expertise focused on supporting student success through academic language application across all content areas. Additionally, Erick prepares the next generation of teachers as an instructor in the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

1:03 - Introduction

2:27 - My Leadership Story

23:12 - English Language Learners

29:31 - My Goals

31:05 - CABE Seal of Excellence

35:14 - Latino Leaders

37:59 - Nevada: English Learner Policy

43:04 - Building Community

47:31 - System of Student Support

51:54 - WIDA

52:43 - Vision and Mission

55:07 - Guiding Principles

59:52 - Coda

Erick Casallas has dedicated his career to advancing access and equity for students, striving to create positive outcomes and opportunities for all. His teaching career began in 2002 as a corps member with Teach for America, driven by a commitment to providing an excellent education for every student. Erick has since served as a vice principal, principal, and supervisor for the Bakersfield City School District in California.

Erick received a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University. Erick is currently completing a doctoral program in educational leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erick-casallas-2bb888294

Email: ecbruin2002@gmail.com

Hit subscribe so you never miss a Latino Leaders episode!

Latino Leaders is a multi-award-winning podcast, securing a Silver at the 4th Annual Signal Awards and taking home both Gold and Silver at the 5th 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 enriching conversation with his featured guest — Christina Hirales.

Christina is a veteran educator and school leader who leads with purpose to help educators and students thrive. She has shared life with her best friend and the love of her life for 34 years and is a proud mother of seven amazing children. Christina champions equity and access for all students while lifting those who need encouragement.

1:03 - Introduction

2:07 - My Leadership Story

19:28 - Three Students, Leadership Reimagined

23:56 - Vietnamese Dual-Language

29:33 - Advocate for Every Student

33:09 - Latina Leaders

38:44 - Leadership Lessons and Mentors

44:24 - AI and Innovation

54:09 - Principal Leadership

56:22 - Guiding Principles

1:01:48 - Coda

Christina Hirales is the youngest of five children and the daughter of Juan and Peggy Mejia, who modeled perseverance, sacrifice, and service. Her father, a career Marine, taught her duty and never to say, “I can’t.” Raised in poverty, he began picking cotton at age four while following crops across 1940s Texas. Her mother, the oldest of nine children, was born in a log cabin and grew up hunting, overcoming hardship, and loving books.

Christina was raised in Orange and Riverside, California. She became a model and dreamed of seeing the world. Yet unexpected doors led her into education and her purpose: serving children, empowering educators, strengthening communities, and advocating for overlooked voices. Christina is the principal at the DeMille Mỹ Việt Language Academy in the Westminster School District in California.

Christina received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino. She also holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of La Verne. Christina is currently completing a doctoral program in organizational leadership, thereby pioneering an educational path for her family while honoring her parents and building a legacy of education, joy, service, and hope.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christina-h-7670379b

Email: chirales@wsdk8.us

Hit subscribe so you never miss a Latino Leaders episode!

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

Every leader has a story. But how do culture, heritage, history, and language shape the educators leading our public schools?

Welcome to Latino Leaders, named one of the best podcasts in the world and a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards. Hosted by Pablo Muñoz—a veteran educator with 30 years of experience, including 16 years as a superintendent—this is the premier podcast dedicated to developing the leadership skills of current and prospective PreK-12 school administrators.

Each week, we sit down with accomplished Latina and Latino public education leaders to uncover their authentic journeys. Through honest, powerful conversations, our guests pull back the curtain on their greatest successes, toughest missteps, and the crucial lessons learned along the way.

More than just professional development, Latino Leaders is a vital cultural archive bridging the gap between management theory and the human realities of leading modern-day schools. Whether you are stepping into your first leadership role, guiding a school, leading an entire district, or fighting for public education, you will walk away with actionable advice to help you grow as a leader.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Hit subscribe so you never miss a Latino Leaders masterclass!

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