Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thoughtful conversation with his featured guest — Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan.

Ramona is a servant leader and educational consultant, having been an educator and administrator for almost three decades.  She is a co-founder of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS).  Ramona currently is serving as a school board trustee for the Clark County School District, the fifth largest school district in the United States.

1:03 - Introduction

2:05 - My Leadership Story

20:29 - Leadership Institute of Nevada

25:05 - Principal

30:35 - Moral Compass

33:42 - Assistant Principal

37:52 - NVALAS

43:10 - Leadership Legacy

46:45 - Guiding Principles

Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan served as an English and English-language learner teacher, school improvement coordinator, and K-12 school administrator throughout the Las Vegas, Nevada community.  She believes “educating others with empowerment and self-efficacy is an equalizer.”  Ramona is known for her innovative systems thinking, consensus-building skills, and coaching leaders.

Ramona earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  She is a self-published author of an educational children’s book, Joaquin’s Cajon.  Ramona is an avid reader and writer who loves traveling with her family and spending joyful time with friends.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/ramona-esparza-stoffregan-b0861b38

Instagram:  instagram.com/nevadaalas/

Website:  nvalas.org

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/nvalas/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enriching conversation with his featured guest — Derlys Gutiérrez.

Derlys is a Cuban American lawyer and author.  She was born in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1968.  Derlys has focused her legal practice on education, labor, and employment law.

1:03 - Introduction

1:50 - My Leadership Story

19:37 - What’s Best for Students

24:33 - American Museum of Natural History

28:30 - Director of Human Resources

32:09 - Author: Writing Fiction

41:03 - School Law

45:56 - Guiding Principles

Derlys Gutiérrez started her law career in private practice as an education, labor, and employment attorney representing public school districts.  She now works full-time as an associate general counsel for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.  Derlys is an author, and she published her first novel on April 29, 2025.

Derlys earned a bachelor’s degree in French literature from Barnard College, Columbia University.  She received her law degree from Rutgers University.  Derlys was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey in 1989.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/derlys-gutierrez-8547a018

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an inspiring conversation with his featured guest — Rolando Merchán.

Rolando was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and he began his career in education as a bilingual teacher.  He is passionate about fostering biliteracy and supporting multilingual students.  Rolando serves as the president of the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE) and is the multilingual director for the Pasadena Independent School District in Texas.

1:03 - Introduction

2:04 - My Leadership Story

22:54 - Multilingual Leadership

33:31 - Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education

37:11 - A Voice for Kids

41:38 - Ensuring Program Effectiveness

43:37 - Biliteracy as First Language

47:30 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Rolando Merchán was an engineer before he transitioned to a career in education.  He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, coordinator, and director in the Pasadena Independent School District in Texas.  Rolando has worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Clear Lake and participated in various Texas Education Agency committees, including Dual Language Guidance and English Language Proficiency Standards Reviews.

Rolando earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Universidad de Los Andes.  He received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston.  Rolando holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Sam Houston State University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/rolando-merchan-ed-d-22a3482a

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Ulysses Navarrete.

Ulysses is the executive director of ALAS, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.  He is a seasoned business leader, a first-generation son of Mexican immigrants, and is dedicated to prioritizing the needs of students and administrators alike.  Ulysses is unwavering in his commitment to fostering inclusivity and championing diversity.

1:03 - Introduction

2:01 - My Leadership Story

14:08 - ALAS

16:50 - Affiliates and Membership

19:49 - ALAS National Summit on Education

22:08 - Rex K-12

24:49 - Make It About Them Always

28:05 - Vice President

32:06 - Guiding Principles

Ulysses Navarrete has nearly two decades of invaluable experience as an advocate for Latino children across the nation.  His strategic business acumen has led to increased revenues, sustainable growth, national partnerships, and cohesive communications strategies within the organizations he served.  Uly intimately understands the significance of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Uly works to dismantle barriers, confront biases, and pave new pathways toward success for the next generation of Latino leaders, district administrators, and our nation's students.  His personal mantra, “Make It About Them Always,” underscores his dedication to prioritizing the needs of students and administrators alike.  Uly earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/ulyssesnavarrete

Website:  alasedu.org/

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an amazing conversation with his featured guest — Jeannette Allen.

Jeannette is the principal of Arlington Community High School in Virginia.  She has over 20 years of experience in education and a strong focus on equity, student success, and community engagement.  Jeannette is a bilingual leader and a passionate advocate for multicultural and multilingual learners.

1:03 - Introduction

1:55 - My Leadership Story

20:11 - Principal

24:48 - Racial and Cultural Identity

27:35 - Director of Secondary Education

30:14 - Multilingual Learners

31:45 - Educational Leadership

33:22 - Bicultural Life

35:01 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Jeannette Allen began her career as a social worker with non-profit organizations in Arlington County and Washington, DC.  She served as the director of secondary education and administrative services, where she supported county-wide secondary education programs, ensuring schools met their strategic goals.  Jeannette worked for the Fairfax County Public Schools as a teacher and with Alexandria City Public Schools as a principal.

Jeannette is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring policies and programs are supportive of all students and staff.  She is fluent in English and Spanish, which enhances her ability to communicate effectively.  Jeannette has been recognized with several awards, including the Aspiring Leaders’ Award and the Resilience Project Research Fellowship.

Jeannette earned a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies-social work and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction-multicultural multilingual education and education leadership from George Mason University.  She received an MBA from James Madison University.  Jeannette holds a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies from George Washington University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/jeannette-e-allen-ed-d-876a1a60

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a gripping conversation with his featured guest — Ana York.

Ana is an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Stanislaus.  She has been a public school teacher and induction mentor for more than 25 years, and she is passionate about supporting students, increasing access to teacher preparation, and promoting equity in education.  Ana is also the state regional coordinator for Educators Rising in the California Central Valley.

1:03 - Introduction

2:02 - My Leadership Story

20:53 - Educators Rising

29:37 - Experiential Learning

32:15 - Boricua in the Central Valley

33:42 - Latina Leaders

35:43 - Bold Journey

38:01 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Ana York is dedicated to preparing future educators and expanding pathways into the teaching profession.  She is deeply passionate about teacher recruitment, bilingual education, and equity.  Ana secured two We Will grants totaling $600,000 to strengthen the teacher pipeline through mentorship, leadership development, and regional collaboration.

Ana holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Stanislaus.  She received an MBA from Ashford University.  Ana earned a doctorate from Grand Canyon University.

Website:  https://www.csustan.edu/people/dr-ana-york

Website:  boldjourney.com/meet-dr-ana-york/

Website:  educatorsrising.org/

Facebook:  facebook.com/ana.york.1614460

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a delightful conversation with his featured guest — Jackie Bastard.

Jackie is the executive director of Jolt, a Texas-based civic engagement organization that builds the political power and influence of Latinos.  She is the daughter of Mexican American migrant parents.  Jackie has played a pivotal role in fostering leadership and advocacy within the Latino community.

1:03 - Introduction

1:58 - My Leadership Story

17:21 - Jolt

20:39 - Human Resources

23:22 - Jolt Initiative Young Leaders Club

26:13 - Pretrial Services

27:50 - Empower, Equip, and Mobilize

29:06 - Guiding Principles

Jackie Bastard was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Mexico until the age of 7, when her family migrated back to the United States.  Her parents instilled the value of hard work, education, perseverance, and resiliency.  Jackie has had a successful career in public service and the nonprofit industry.  She developed the desire to give back to her community when she was in high school.  Jackie wants to empower, equip, and mobilize individuals, encouraging them to raise their voices not only for themselves but also for those who fear retaliation.

Jackie is a first-generation high school and college graduate.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Houston Downtown.  Jackie received a master’s degree in criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/jackieleads

Website:  jolttx.org/

Website:  joltinitiative.org/

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a revealing conversation with his featured guest — James Martinez.

James is a PreK-12 education leader with 35 years of experience specializing in special education, school counseling, and leadership development.  He is an award-winning administrator and executive coach who advocates for equity, student success, and mental health.  James mentors educators, consults on systemic change, and works as an adjunct lecturer.

1:03 - Introduction

2:10 - My Leadership Story

34:44 - CT Education Advocacy

38:42 - Equity and Mental Health

40:52 - Executive Coaching

42:48 - Principal

48:00 - Latino Leader

52:33 - Culture of Well-Being

55:58 - Guiding Principles

James Martinez possesses a proven track record of enhancing educational and operational performance through visionary leadership and effective team-building strategies.  He was a principal in Norwalk, Connecticut.  James successfully piloted and implemented numerous district initiatives to improve instructional quality.  He established the district's first school-based preschool, created a family resource center, and transformed the school library into an innovative media center and learning commons.  James was instrumental in coordinating care between local mental health providers and the Norwalk school district, managing the comprehensive school counseling program.

James served as an elected member of the Monroe Board of Education.  He is the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) 2022 National Latino Administrator of the Year.  James earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counselor education from Lehman College as well as a master’s degree in school building leadership from Mercy College.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/james-martinez-ms-ed-6th-year-814b1461

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a powerful conversation with his featured guest — Michelle Seijas.

Michelle is a certified coach on a mission to support leaders to value their strengths, grow their confidence, build a clear vision for their life and career, and find sustainability in leadership.  She has navigated what it means to be a leader in various contexts, from K-12 administrator, nonprofit executive, and consultant to leadership coach and speaker.  Michelle has a special gift of facilitating engaging experiences for people to step into their power and identify how they will live and lead with purpose.

1:03 - Introduction

2:09 - My Leadership Story

11:23 - Seijas Coaching

15:18 - Surge Institute

19:48 - Latina Leaders

23:09 - Phenomenally Latina

24:28 - Power, Voice, and Values

29:19 - Principal

34:21 - Purpose-Driven Leader

36:37 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Michelle Seijas is a Latina leader on a mission to honor the generations before her and to liberate the generations to come.  She has over 15 years of experience as a bilingual education teacher, instructional coach, elementary school vice principal, district coordinator, and high school principal.  Michelle was the founding executive director of the Surge Institute, a nonprofit organization in Oakland, California.

Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of California, Davis.  She received a master’s degree from California State University, Sacramento.  Michelle holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of California, Davis.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/michelle-seijas-ed-d

Instagram:  instagram.com/thrivingchingona/

Website:  michelleseijas.com/

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a heartfelt conversation with his featured guest — Montserrat Garibay.

Montserrat has spent the past 25 years as a dedicated educator and advocate for public education and labor rights.  She most recently served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director of the Office of English Language Acquisition at the United States Department of Education.  Montserrat is an influential advocate for immigration issues, helping to promote the Texas version of the DREAM Act as well as comprehensive immigration reform.

1:03 - Introduction

2:01 - My Leadership Story

27:00 - United States Department of Education

35:25 - Texas AFL-CIO

42:56 - Latina Leaders

45:31 - Education Austin

48:46 - The American Dream

50:26 - Identify, Educate, and Mobilize

55:02 - Guiding Principles

Montserrat Garibay was born in Mexico City, and she migrated to the United States as an undocumented child.  She became a United States citizen two decades later.  Montserrat is a National Board certified teacher and worked eight years as a bilingual pre-kindergarten teacher.  She later became the vice president for certified employees with Education Austin, a merged local affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the AFL-CIO.  Montserrat also served as the secretary-treasurer at the Texas AFL-CIO.

Montserrat earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language teaching and a master’s degree in bilingual education from the University of Texas at Austin.  She participated in the Public Education Leadership Project at Harvard Business School.  Montserrat also took part in the National Labor Leadership Initiative at Cornell University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/montserrat-garibay-7393346

Email:  [email protected]

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 and 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:  [email protected]