Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enriching conversation with his featured guest — Hector Chaira.

Hector is a native of the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.  He is the director of education programs for the Youth Cinema Project at the Latino Film Institute, which uses arts and media to help young people discover their voice, build confidence, and shape their own stories.  He drives curriculum, program, and training expansion that empowers youth and builds pathways to thriving futures.

1:03 - Introduction

2:06 - My Leadership Story

28:00 - Latino Film Institute

33:06 - Youth Cinema Project

44:09 - City Charter Schools

49:24 - Woodcraft Rangers

52:10 - CoachArt

54:11 - We Want to Dance LA

57:33 - Guiding Principles

Hector Chaira is a nonprofit leader with more than 17 years of experience working across youth development, education, and community-based programs.  He leads with collaboration, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose.  Hector is rooted in community and informed by grassroots action.

Hector previously worked at City Charter Schools, Woodcraft Rangers, and CoachArt.  He established and directed We Want to Dance LA, a cultural dance company.  Hector received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Cal State LA.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/hector-chaira-64869149

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/latinofilminstitute/

Website:  latinofilm.org/

Website:  latinofilm.org/youth-cinema-project-2/

Instagram:  instagram.com/latinofilminstitute_/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an exceptional conversation with his featured guest — Veronica Benavides.

Veronica has dedicated her career to advancing identity, language, and learning as a teacher, Fulbright scholar, Harvard researcher, coach, and leader.  She champions heritage language reclamation through innovative tools for children, educators, and families.  Veronica is the founder and CEO of Bilingual Generation.

1:03 - Introduction

2:00 - My Leadership Story

26:09 - Bilingual Generation

30:15 - Harvard Kennedy School

32:17 - Bilingualism Today

35:04 - Onward Leadership

36:39 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

54:41 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Veronica Benavides is a visionary leader who seeks to reverse the trend of language loss across the generations.  She was a program architect at Onward, an executive director for the Center on Culture, Race, and Equity (CCRE) at Bank Street College, and a director for The Leadership Academy at the New York City Aspiring School Principals program.  Veronica has extensive experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion training through the National Equity Project and the Pacific Educational Group.

Veronica received a bachelor’s degree in government honors and philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin.  She holds a master’s degree in the science of teaching from Fordham University.  Veronica earned a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/veronicabenavides

Website:  bilingualgeneration.com/

Instagram:  instagram.com/wearebilingualgeneration/

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/we-are-bilingual-generation/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enlightening conversation with his featured guest — Ana Ponce.

Ana is the CEO of GPSN, a nonprofit intermediary organization in California.  She leads efforts to advance equity across the Los Angeles Unified School District by mobilizing major philanthropic investment, shaping policy through research, and expanding opportunity for over 500,000 students.  Ana is a former teacher and charter school leader who draws on her immigrant roots to champion authentic family engagement and Latino student success.

1:03 - Introduction

2:15 - My Leadership Story

22:44 - CEO of GPSN

27:19 - Camino Nuevo Charter Academy

33:55 - Latina Leaders

38:08 - Teamwork

39:55 - The Accelerated School

43:34 - Public Charter Schools

48:13 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Ana Ponce was CEO of Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, a network of six charter schools and an early education center serving students in central Los Angeles, California.  In 2011, Forbes Magazine named her one of the world’s seven most powerful educators.  Ana serves on numerous educational boards and organizations spanning Latino advocacy, inclusive education leadership, charter school support, and educational innovation.

Ana received a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College.  She holds a master’s degree in bilingual and bicultural education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  Ana earned a doctorate from Loyola Marymount University.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/ana-ponce-8853446

Website:  gpsnla.org/

Facebook:  facebook.com/GPSNLA

Instagram:  instagram.com/gpsn_la/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Janet Estrada.

Janet is the principal of Ashley Elementary School in the Denver Public Schools.  She is also the vice president of the Adams County School District 14 Board of Education in Commerce City, Colorado.  Janet is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and she is a passionate advocate for equity, representation, and empowering communities through education.

1:03 - Introduction

2:01 - My Leadership Story

20:37 - Principal

25:03 - Influence and Policy

30:06 - Board of Education Vice President

39:30 - Latina Leaders

48:13 - Assistant Principal

50:54 - CO-ALAS

55:16 - Equity and Community Impact 

1:01:00 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Janet Estrada has devoted her career to elevating the needs of her community’s most marginalized populations and creating rigorous and relevant educational opportunities that will empower students for college and career readiness.  She promotes educational innovation and improvement within bilingual, urban, and communities of color.  Janet currently serves as a delegate to the Colorado Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS).  She has a proven record of impact on both the classroom and school levels.  Janet was a CO-PILOT facilitator charged with leading culturally and historically responsive education professional development opportunities for Colorado educators.

Janet received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver.  Janet earned a doctorate in administration and supervision from Loyola University Chicago.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/dra-janet-estrada-23a073a

Facebook:  facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581113774180

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a riveting conversation with his featured guest — Axel Caballero.

Axel is the CEO of the Latino Film Institute (LFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for education, advancement, and innovation in the entertainment, tech arts, and media industries.  He has a deep passion for strategic development and organizational building, thriving on merging traditional storytelling with emerging narrative forms.  Axel was also the executive director of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers.

1:03 - Introduction

2:15 - My Leadership Story

40:45 - Latino Film Institute

43:48 - Youth Cinema Project

53:21 - LFI Fellowships

55:57 - Warner Bros. Discovery

59:54 - National Association of Latino Independent Producers

1:06:44 - Latino Storytellers

1:09:54 - Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival

1:12:41 - Guiding Principles

Axel Caballero served as VP of external engagement and VP of artistic and cultural innovations at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he collaborated with diverse stakeholders, identified and nurtured talent, and produced narrative, documentary, and unscripted projects for HBO and Warner Bros.’ internal artistic studio and incubator, OneFifty.  He was also the creator and executive producer of Latino Lens.  Axel has consistently pushed boundaries with his innovative approach, which has led to a proven track record of success.

Axel earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations with minors in law and society and visual arts from the University of California San Diego.  He received a master’s degree in international law and human rights from Utrecht University.  Axel holds a diploma in international studies and film and visual studies from The American University of Paris.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/axelslinked

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/latinofilminstitute/

Website:  latinofilm.org/

Instagram:  instagram.com/latinofilminstitute_/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Delphina JOYce Avila.

Delphina is a leadership expert and founder of JOY, Journey Options YouChoose.  She helps people L.E.A.D., S.H.I.N.E., and R.I.S.E. with JOY.  Delphina is an author, speaker, and coach who empowers women to embrace resilience and create purpose-driven lives.

1:03 - Introduction

2:04 - My Leadership Story

23:30 - JOY: Journey Options YouChoose

32:53 - International Alliance Group

36:27 - School Culture, Intentional Choices

46:09 - Resilience and Wellness

51:26 - Burnout and Leadership Energy 

57:50 - Latina Leaders

1:01:22 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Delphina JOYce Avila helps individuals and organizations lead and live with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.  Her JOY workshops and books, as well as her JOY e-learning courses, equip professionals to transform burnout into balance and pressure into purpose.  Delphina empowers individuals through her proprietary frameworks designed to awaken self-leadership, foster wholistic wellness, and build resilience from the inside out.

Delphina earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.  She received a master’s degree and a doctorate from Northern Arizona University.  Delphina helps leaders align spirit, mind, heart, and body to create meaningful impact.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/dr-delphina-joyce-avila-a45481b5

Website:  joyoptions.org/

Facebook:  facebook.com/MessengerofJOY

Instagram:  instagram.com/JOYOptionsYouChoose

Instagram:  instagram.com/MessengerofJOI

Substack:  substack.com/@joyoptions

Amazon:  amazon.com/stores/author/B0CXVG7JT6

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an enjoyable conversation with his featured guest — Faviola Cantú.

Faviola is a nationally recognized education leader with 21 years of experience driving academic achievement and systemwide excellence.  She is the chief academic officer for the Aldine Independent School District in Texas, where she oversees curriculum and instruction for 57,000 students.  Faviola inspires and encourages the next generation of Latino educational leaders.

1:03 - Introduction

2:02 - My Leadership Story

18:29 - Chief Academic Officer

22:13 - Director of Multilingual Programs

25:26 - Latina Leaders

30:23 - Principal

34:46 - Assistant Superintendent

39:34 - $1.8 Billion School Bond

43:18 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Faviola Cantú is a recognized turnaround strategist who previously served as assistant superintendent in the Aldine Independent School District in Texas.  She has also worked as a director of multilingual programs, principal, assistant principal, and bilingual teacher across multiple Houston-area school districts.  Faviola co-founded the Association of Latinx Leaders in Aldine.

Faviola holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Houston.  She received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.  Faviola earned a doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/drfavycantu

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a marvelous conversation with his featured guest — Pierre Orbe.

Pierre is a first-generation American who was born to Ecuadorian parents.  He is the New York State Principal of the Year, as well as the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) National Principal of the Year for 2025.  Pierre is a transformative leader and doctoral researcher who is preparing to serve as a superintendent committed to unlocking the potential of every student.

1:03 - Introduction

2:08 - My Leadership Story

40:15 - DeWitt Clinton High School

57:25 - The Price of Leadership

1:03:01 - Earning Your Way

1:09:00 - Principal of the Year

1:14:36 - Ideas, Listening, and Loyalty

1:23:23 - Developmental Assets Framework

1:33:50 - Guiding Principles

Pierre Orbe was born and raised in New Jersey and has devoted his life to transforming education through courage, faith, and purpose.  His passion for education began with his older brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and a defining childhood moment when his mother refused to accept a teacher’s claim that her son would never amount to anything—a moment that shaped Pierre’s belief that every child deserves to be seen and supported.  Pierre is the principal of DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx—once considered one of the most troubled and dangerous schools in New York City Public Schools.

Pierre earned a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology from Drew University.  He received a master’s degree in science education from New York University as a Goldman Sachs Fellow.  Pierre is pursuing his doctorate at Russell Sage College and finalizing his first book, The Price of Leadership, a memoir on the resilience, sacrifice, and integrity required to lead with purpose.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pierre-orbe-453b31a

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an extraordinary conversation with his featured guest — Karla Hernández-Mats.

Karla is a proud Miami, Florida native and first-generation American of Honduran descent.  She is an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) vice president and past president of United Teachers of Dade.  Karla was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Florida in 2022.

1:03 - Introduction

1:56 - My Leadership Story

30:33 - Educated. We Stand

33:58 - AFT Vice President

37:15 - High-Profile Politics

40:31 - United Teachers of Dade

43:14 - Latina Leaders

47:28 - Kids are Not Widgets

50:14 - Passing the Baton

52:40 - Guiding Principles

Karla Hernández-Mats is the chairwoman and president of Educated. We Stand, a national, non-partisan organization dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of public education.  She remains deeply involved in her community, actively volunteering and supporting humanitarian missions overseas.  Karla has been nationally recognized for her leadership, including being honored by Miami Today’s Achiever Series in 2019 for advancing public education throughout Miami-Dade County.

Karla has been active on numerous boards, including the Florida Education Association Governance Board and Executive Cabinet, the United Way Board of Miami, the Florida AFL-CIO’s executive board, the Children’s Trust’s executive board, and the Education Fund’s executive board.  She is the chairperson of the AFT’s Women’s Rights Committee.  Karla frequently addresses national groups on the challenges educators face and is an advocate for immigration reform and children’s rights.

Karla earned a bachelor’s degree in emotionally handicapped education from Florida International University.  She received a master’s degree in business management from St. Thomas University.  Karla spent over a decade as a classroom teacher, earning recognition as the 2010 Teacher of the Year at Hialeah Middle School in Florida.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/karla-hernandez-mats-665521203

Website:  aft.org/about/leadership/karla-hernandez-mats

Facebook:  facebook.com/karla.hernandez2022

Instagram:  instagram.com/karlahernandezmats/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a meaningful conversation with his featured guest — Elena Fabunan.

Elena was born in Tijuana, Mexico to a Filipino father and Mexican mother.  She championed equity, trauma-informed practices, and newcomer student success during her 35 years as a bilingual teacher, counselor, and principal.  Elena is currently a coach, mentor, and advocate, ensuring that every child feels seen, safe, and unstoppable.

1:03 - Introduction

2:16 - My Leadership Story

16:24 - Principal

22:57 - Advocating for Newcomer Students

26:46 - NVALAS

31:12 - Leading with Corazón

32:01 - Trauma-Informed Leadership

32:52 - Mindful Social-Emotional Leadership

34:08 - Guiding Principles

Elena Fabunan carries the resilience of her immigrant roots into every part of her work.  She is a retired high school principal who worked in the Clark County School District in Nevada and the Los Angeles Unified School District in California.  Elena dedicated her career to advancing educational equity, student well-being, and culturally responsive leadership.  She serves on the boards of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS) and the Vegas Vista Academy Charter School.  Elena is passionate about developing future leaders and inspiring others to lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity.

Elena earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.  She received a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas.  Elena obtained a second master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/elena-fabunan-53354095

Website:  nvalas.org/

Email:  [email protected]

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:  [email protected]