Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Fiorella Cabrejos.

Fiorella is a master principal at the New York City Public Schools. She has dedicated her career to building opportunities by dismantling apathy and mediocrity in education, particularly for children from historically marginalized communities.

1:03 - Introduction

1:48 - My Leadership Story

16:37 - Master Principal

19:34 - Fordham Leadership Academy

24:38 - Educational Leadership

26:21 - Latina Leader

29:48 - Homelessness

33:27 - Transforming Instruction

39:50 - Guiding Principles

42:16 - Coda

Dr. Fiorella Cabrejos was born in Lima, Peru, and raised in White Plains, New York. She brings a unique perspective to her role as school leader as both a former public school student and immigrant and a former English language learner. As principal of Fordham Leadership Academy in The Bronx, New York City, since 2015, Fiorella has significantly enhanced student achievement through redesigned systems and innovative programming focused on college and career readiness, aimed at tackling systemic equity issues in education. Her initiatives include integrating city and state-sponsored college and career training into the larger scope of academic experiences, fostering partnerships for dual enrollment and internships, while ensuring access to quality tier-1 core instruction and responsive literacy programming for all students. Currently a master principal under the Chancellor's directive, Fiorella supports and scales effective leadership practices district-wide. She holds a doctorate in education from Fordham University and master’s degrees in school administration and supervision and secondary education.

This Encore episode was first published as Latino Leaders Episode 29 on October 7, 2024.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-fiorella-cabrejos-ed-d-39b0227b

Email: fcabrejos1@fordham.edu

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 — Estanislado Paz.

Stan is the founding president of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). He is a board member at Walden University. Stan serves as a senior advisor and consultant to IXL Learning.

1:03 - Introduction

2:06 - My Leadership Story

28:37 - Board Director

33:08 - Superintendent of Schools

42:43 - ALAS

50:40 - Corporate Vice President

56:43 - TALAS

1:02:56 - Educational Leadership

1:08:57 - Guiding Principles

1:15:48 - Coda

Dr. Estanislado Paz worked as a bilingual education classroom teacher, director, and deputy superintendent for the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona. He served as the superintendent of the El Paso Public School District and as the associate superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, both in Texas. Stan also served as the superintendent of the Tucson Unified School District, where he had begun his career.

Stan served as regional vice president at Sylvan Learning and vice president at McGraw-Hill Education within the for-profit corporate sector. He also served as the executive director of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS). Stan earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in elementary education, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arizona.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/estanislado-paz-76270223

Email: stanmagoo2@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 captivating conversation with his featured guest — Beatriz Maldonado.

Beatriz is a student-centered leader with more than 25 years of experience in PreK–8 education, spanning district leadership, bilingual programming, and curriculum development. She advances curriculum, instruction, and equity to improve outcomes for all students. Beatriz is the new superintendent for the Calumet Public School District 132 in Illinois.

1:03 - Introduction

2:07 - My Leadership Story

14:20 - Values, Culture, and Aspirations

18:45 - COVID-19

21:48 - Language Acquisition

25:41 - Latina Leadership

31:20 - Power of Collective Leadership

35:29 - Leadership Teams

38:25 - Guiding Principles

42:42 - Coda

Dr. Beatriz Maldonado has advanced dual-language programming, strengthened Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks, and built leadership capacity to meet the needs of diverse learners. Her work has increased alignment across schools, enhanced support for multilingual learners, and deepened data-informed practices. Beatriz serves as an adjunct professor at Dominican University and mentors first-year principals through the Illinois Principals Association.

Beatriz received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University. She holds a master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Beatriz earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Concordia University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beatriz-maldonado-310

Email: mslopezprincipal@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 meaningful conversation with his featured guest — Sergio Keck.

Sergio is the deputy superintendent of special populations for the Lansing School District in Michigan. He is a Latino educational leader with over 35 years in the profession, and he has worked as an instructional assistant, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director. Sergio is the founder of language immersion schools, and he oversees bilingual services, early childhood, adult education, and workforce development programs.

1:03 - Introduction

2:28 - My Leadership Story

17:01 - MI-ALAS

24:26 - Latino Identity

28:04 - Strengthen the Latino Pipeline

32:57 - Leadership Can Be Very Fragile

37:53 - Immersion and Alternative Education

44:09 - Fostering Global Citizenship

48:00 - Guiding Principles

53:57 - Coda

Sergio Keck is originally from Argentina and immigrated to the United States at age 14. He is the current president and founder of the Michigan Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (MI-ALAS). Sergio established a highly successful Chinese immersion program, created a Spanish immersion program at the elementary school level, and implemented an alternative blended model of instruction for disengaged high school students.

Sergio earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He received a master’s degree from Michigan State University. Sergio also completed postgraduate work at Oakland University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sergio-keck-b6820133

Website: mialas.org/

Email: sergiokeck17@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 an exceptional conversation with his featured guest — Madeline Negrón.

Madeline proudly serves as the superintendent of the New Haven Public Schools in Connecticut. With over 30 years of experience across Connecticut’s most diverse urban school districts, her leadership work is deeply personal. Madeline draws on her lived experience to dismantle barriers and has dedicated her career to driving academic growth and equity.

1:03 - Introduction

2:02 - My Leadership Story

15:47 - Against All Odds

28:16 - New Haven Public Schools

34:03 - Hartford Public Schools

39:39 - CALAS

44:22 - Educational Leadership

49:18 - Chief Learner, Chief Teacher

55:12 - Guiding Principles

59:49 - Coda

Dr. Madeline Negrón is driven by her personal experience as a multilingual learner who moved from Puerto Rico to Willimantic, Connecticut as a child. Her leadership spans every level of public education. Madeline began her career as a bilingual teacher in Windham Public Schools before moving into administration. She previously served as the principal of Hill Regional Career Magnet High School, director of early childhood, and director of instruction for the New Haven Public Schools. Madeline also served as a senior executive for the Hartford Public Schools.

Madeline is a prominent voice in Latino education policy. Her leadership has earned state and national acclaim, including the 2025 Maria C. Sánchez Education Award, the 2023 ALAS Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award, and recognition in EdWeek’s 2022 "Leaders to Learn From." Madeline is a co-founder and past president of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).

Madeline earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and bilingual education from Central Connecticut State University. She received a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Connecticut. Madeline also completed the Fellowship for Public Education Leadership at The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-madeline-negron-a0309771

Facebook: facebook.com/p/Superintendent-Negr%C3%B3n-100093852625572/

Email: madeline.negron@new-haven.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 an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Juan Santos.

Juan is proud to be the president of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), an organization that supports administrators throughout California. He is currently the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Ventura County Office of Education. Juan wants to inspire future generations by making a lasting impression on people through mentoring and leadership.

1:03 - Introduction

2:02 - My Leadership Story

16:07 - The Switch

21:04 - Stand and Deliver

24:00 - Assistant Superintendent

27:21 - Educational Leadership

31:39 - CALSA

34:42 - Be Your Best

36:32 - Latino Leadership

39:37 - Learn, Grow, and Develop as a Leader

40:52 - Guiding Principles

43:19 - Coda

Dr. Juan Santos is a passionate leader, dedicated mentor, and driven change-maker, empowering others to excel. He was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but he grew up alone, surrounded by a vibrant life, fueled by a series of events that included learning. Juan is driven by the motto "Be Your Best.”

Juan has achieved notable accomplishments throughout his career, including inspiring others, especially youth; fostering community engagement through partnerships; developing leadership skills through mentorship programs; and achieving academic excellence. His guiding principles include empowerment through uplifting others, authenticity by staying true, continuous growth through learning, and unity by building bridges. Juan embodies resilience, self-awareness, and excellence.

This Encore episode was first published as Latino Leaders Episode 40 on December 23, 2024.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-juan-manuel-santos-0a13312a

Website: calsa.org/

Email: jsantos@vcoe.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 a fascinating conversation with his featured guest — Robert Alfaro.

Robert is a champion for educational equity, and his journey from a non-English speaking background to leadership inspires all of us. He is the best-selling author of the book Baloney, Baloney, Baloney, in which he shares his personal experiences with overcoming adversity. Robert is the CEO of Alfaro Education Services, where he empowers aspiring superintendents to transform education for all students.

1:03 - Introduction

2:30 - My Leadership Story

17:53 - Taking Action

25:09 - Change Agent

37:25 - Focusing on Student Achievement

42:46 - More Hispanic Leaders

47:39 - Unforeseen Consequences

56:01 - Baloney, Baloney, Baloney!

1:03:46 - Robert vs. Roberto

1:05:18 - Principal

1:10:10 - Guiding Principles

1:15:23 - Coda

Robert Alfaro is a nationally respected education leader with more than three decades of transformative impact across public, private, and charter school systems. His career reflects an extraordinary rise from classroom teacher to superintendent of schools within major districts such as San Antonio Independent School District in Texas and Clark County School District in Nevada. Robert has led sweeping districtwide reforms that modernized infrastructure, increased operational efficiency, and significantly improved student outcomes through data-driven instruction.

Robert received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Sul Ross State University. He is a graduate of the Broad Urban Superintendents Academy and the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Academy. Robert is especially proud to have received the Nevada Educator of the Year Award from the Nevada State Parent-Teacher Organization, recognizing his unwavering commitment to family and community engagement.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-alfaro-22363836

Website: alfaroeducates.com/

Email: robert.alfaro51@outlook.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 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