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

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