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

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a powerful conversation with his featured guest — Jenny Rodriguez.

Jenny is a passionate educational leader who believes that in the right environment, all learners can succeed. She is a proud Latina born in Puerto Rico to Dominican parents. Jenny uses authentic leadership and a relationship-centered approach to turn equity into meaningful action and lasting change.

1:03 - Introduction

1:57 - My Leadership Story

27:54 - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

38:22 - Assistant Principal

42:35 - Latina Leaders

46:19 - Expeditionary Learning

50:34 - Power of Access

53:47 - First-Generation Students

56:33 - Guiding Principles

Jenny Rodriguez is a first-generation college graduate raised in the South Bronx, New York City. Her personal and professional journey has shaped her deep commitment to educational access, belonging, and opportunity for historically underserved students and families. Jenny has led professional learning and collaborative initiatives focused on culturally responsive practices, anti-bias education, and family engagement.

Jenny brings both compassion and strategic vision to her work. She is committed to helping schools move equity from conversation to action by creating spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Jenny inspires educators and communities to rethink what is possible when access, support, and opportunity are intentionally prioritized.

Jenny received a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Spanish language, literature, and culture from Syracuse University. She holds a master’s degree in comparative international education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jenny earned a second master’s degree in school building leadership from Mercy University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenny-rodriguez-52a9688

Email: jrodriguez@mamkschools.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 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

Email: 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

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 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

Facebook: facebook.com/people/Visionary-Youth/61584126427020/

Email: 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

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 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

Email: 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

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 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

Facebook: facebook.com/manuel.zaldivar.7

Email: 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

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