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

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

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

Steven is the director of policy and partnerships at the EdVoice Institute, an education advocacy organization focused on reshaping public education in California. He has spent his career advancing policies and leading coalitions at the local, state, and national levels that improve opportunities for students, especially those from marginalized communities. Steven is primarily focused on advancing racial equity and protecting civil rights for students in K-12 education.

1:03 - Introduction

2:09 - My Leadership Story

19:21 - EdVoice Institute

26:18 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

32:31 - Los Angeles Latino Giving Circle

38:13 - Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council

41:15 - Advocacy and Policy

47:25 - Advancing Racial and Social Justice

52:25 - Guiding Principles

55:11 - Coda

Steven Almazán began his career as a special education teacher in East Los Angeles and was elected to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. He serves on the Leadership Council of the Latino Community Foundation’s Los Angeles Latino Giving Circle, which has raised more than $600,000 for more than 25 grassroots Latino-led organizations. Previously, Steven served as the K-12 education policy lead at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, advancing federal policy solutions for students from marginalized communities.

Steven obtained bachelor’s degrees in psychology and communication from the University of Southern California. He received a master’s degree in special education from Loyola Marymount University. Steven earned his second master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

This Encore episode was first published as Latino Leaders Episode 81 on October 6, 2025.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenalmazan

Website: stevenalmazan.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/edvoice/

Website: edvoiceinstitute.org/

Facebook: facebook.com/EdVoiceCA

Instagram: instagram.com/edvoiceca/

Website: californiateachersmatter.org/

Email: steven.almazan@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 extraordinary conversation with his featured guest — Laura Morales.

Laura is a clinical neuropsychologist, bilingual educator, author, and the founder of the LAJAM Education Foundation. Her work connects neuroscience, bilingual literacy, and inclusive educational design. Laura is a Texas Master Teacher and creator of LUZ, a neurodidactic Spanish literacy framework.

1:03 - Introduction

2:08 - My Leadership Story

20:20 - Three Struggling Readers

25:57 - LAJAM Education Foundation

28:16 - How Children Learn

31:25 - The Reading Brain

40:28 - Create a Master Classroom

46:42 - LUZ

53:55 - Guiding Principles

1:01:33 - Coda

Laura Morales completed her initial training in psychology in Venezuela, beginning her work with children and families early in her professional life. From 2005 to 2008, she directed the psychological program at Fundación Por Amor a los Niños, working within a care facility serving children experiencing homelessness. Laura worked early in her career at the intersection of child development, family systems, vulnerability, and the environments responsible for supporting children.

Laura transitioned into education in the United States, working as a teacher at Golden Rule Charter School and the Grand Prairie Independent School District in Texas. Her work was recognized through the Texas Master Teacher designation. Laura is the author of Don't Be a Master Teacher, Create a Master Classroom, and she developed LUZ, a neurodidactic Spanish literacy framework.

Laura received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from La Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela. She holds three master’s degrees: one in special education, one in developmental cognitive neuroscience in childhood, and another in clinical neuropsychology. Laura also earned an advanced specialization in dyslexia and dyscalculia.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-morales-38475b100

Website: lajameducation.org/

Email: lmorales@lajameducation.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 wonderful conversation with his featured guest — Ana Samaniego.

Ana is a passionate educator with 30 years of experience, currently in her ninth year as superintendent of the Douglas Unified School District in Arizona. She has also served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Ana has dedicated her career to advancing student success and strengthening opportunities for rural school communities.

1:03 - Introduction

2:22 - My Leadership Story

19:34 - Rural Border School District

32:18 - Educational Equity Principal

44:09 - Developing Leaders

51:14 - Student Success Stories

1:04:53 - Educate with Heart

1:15:52 - Guiding Principles

1:23:27 - Coda

Ana Samaniego is committed to improving student achievement, supporting educators, and building meaningful partnerships with families and the community. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Douglas, where she spent 14 years inspiring students and fostering academic success. Ana later transitioned into leadership, serving as an instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Ana is widely recognized as a collaborative educational leader and serves in several leadership roles across Arizona. She is the past president of the Cochise Association of School Administrators (CASA), president of the Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS), and serves on the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) and Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) Boards of Directors. Ana attended the Harvard Leadership Academy, where she studied the Data Wise Improvement Process to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes.

Ana is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and where educators are empowered to make a lasting difference. Her leadership philosophy is centered on the core principle of "Educating with Heart." Ana believes every child deserves an advocate who believes in their potential and that educators have the power to transform lives through compassion, high expectations, and unwavering commitment.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ana-samaniego-107802197

Email: asamaniego@douglasschools.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 open, honest, and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Adela Jorge.

Adela is an educator and advocate whose work centers on equity, multilingual learners, and student success. She leads with courage, authenticity, and a lifelong commitment to lifting others as she rises. Adela is the principal of Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy and president-elect of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).

1:03 - Introduction

2:11 - My Leadership Story

19:03 - Greatness in Everyone

22:39 - Celebrating Languages

26:21 - Learning a Second Language

29:50 - CALAS

31:28 - Redefining Ambiciosa

34:51 - Imposter Syndrome

36:55 - Guiding Principles

44:38 - Coda

Adela Jorge is an experienced Connecticut educational leader whose career has focused on advancing opportunities for multilingual learners, promoting biliteracy, and developing future educational leaders. For over three decades in education, she has served as a teacher, administrator, district leader, and principal, earning recognition for her advocacy, collaboration, and commitment to equity. Adela has influenced both local school communities and statewide initiatives, including supporting Connecticut’s multilingual education programs and the Seal of Biliteracy.

Adela received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Hartford. Adela earned a sixth year certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership and administration from Sacred Heart University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adela-jorge-53418b28

Email: adelajnelson@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 thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Yvonne Williams.

Yvonne manages a team of 35 instructional coaches at the Wisconsin Center for Education Products and Services (WCEPS) and leads support for a consortium of WIDA partner districts. She helped design and launch a new coaching program for domestic and international schools. Yvonne coordinates collaboration and customized professional learning to strengthen instruction for multilingual learners.

1:03 - Introduction

2:07 - My Leadership Story

22:12 - Latino Identity, Power, and Culture

25:50 - Leadership Embracing Multilingualism

28:21 - Empower Students

31:25 - That's My Name, That's My Culture

35:14 - Elevating Voices

37:43 - How Do I Help My Newcomers?

40:34 - Guiding Principles

44:51 - Coda

Yvonne Williams is a dynamic leader and presenter who serves as the vice president of educator engagement at WCEPS. She works closely with educators, delving into their goals and needs to chart a course that aligns seamlessly with their objectives. Yvonne immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, to the United States at the age of five. Her journey is marked by resilience and a pursuit of excellence. As a former English language learner, Yvonne enriches her professional endeavors with a unique perspective.

Yvonne received an associate’s degree from the New Mexico Military Institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Angelo State University. Yvonne earned a master’s degree in bilingual and English as a second language education from NOVA Southeastern University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ywilliams68

Email: yvonnewilliams610@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 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