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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Vanessa Paula, a 1st generation Latina striving to change the narrative from her own story from surviving to thriving, breaking the cycle one day at a time.

South Bronx-bred and New York City Housing Authority-raised, she considers herself to be a Latina rose that grew from the concrete. She started out as yet another "statistic" from the South Bronx. She refused to accept her circumstances, so she hustled hard and made her heart strong to survive a hood that was plagued by poverty, drugs, trauma, limited resources, and the elephant no one wanted to address: the mental health of our people, our community! Her experience and walks of life are vast, but she believes there is a purpose to her pain. She wholeheartedly believes that people deserve to be seen, heard, loved, and valued; that's how healing truly happens. She's a mom, a bilingual educator, and a fierce supporter of her community.

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On this episode of Social Chats, I speak with Dr. Marisa Rivas, an innovative educational leader with over two decades of experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, and district-level leadership. Currently serving as an Instructional Services Specialist in Research, Assessment & Evaluation at Riverside Unified School District, Marisa specializes in integrating data tools to create cohesive cycles of inquiry across all educational levels.

Marisa's experience spans multiple school districts in Southern California, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of educational challenges and opportunities across diverse communities. Her expertise in data literacy, professional development, and instructional alignment enables her to support educators at all levels in creating equitable learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

Based in Redlands, California, Marisa continues to champion data-informed instruction and cohesive assessment practices that drive meaningful educational improvement and student success.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Jerry Frutos, a dedicated public servant and community leader whose career spans education governance, financial services, and social support systems. Currently serving as a School Board Member for the Buena Park School District, Jerry brings seven years of educational leadership experience, including time as School Board President, where he champions policies that promote equity and student success.

Complementing his work in education, Jerry serves as a Community Services Commissioner for the City of Buena Park, where he helps develop and oversee programs that enhance quality of life for local residents. His commitment to community extends to his professional role as a Supportive Services Coordinator with Jamboree Housing, where he provides critical case management for individuals transitioning from homelessness, connecting them with resources needed for stability and independence.

Jerry's background includes 17 years in the banking industry as a personal banker, where he developed expertise in financial systems and client services. For five of those years, he dedicated himself to teaching financial literacy to K-12 students and their families, empowering them with essential money management skills. His passion for education and family engagement also led him to serve as PTA President for two years and as a member of the Orange County Head Start Policy Council, supporting early childhood education initiatives.

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media at UMass Global, Jerry continues to strengthen his advocacy and leadership capabilities. His educational journey reflects his commitment to continuous growth and effective communication as tools for community advancement.

Beyond his professional and civic responsibilities, Jerry is a devoted family man who actively participates in his daughters' lives, supporting their activities in gymnastics and dance performances at The Wooden Floor. He also engages in Connecting Dads workshops, demonstrating his belief in the importance of involved parenting and strong family connections.

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On this episode of Social Chats, we will be speaking with Dr. Alejandro Cisneros currently leads Family and Community Engagement and the implementation of the Community Schools program for the Alvord Unified School District in Riverside. He's been an elementary school principal in two districts and taught middle school mathematics and language arts. His doctoral studies centered on perceptions of Latinx families and the school-home partnership. His wife is a professor at UC Irvine, and his daughter is a 2nd year student at USC.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of Social Chats: Shaping Minds and Brands, I hope you enjoyed the episode and please be sure to like and subscribe to my podcast! Chat soon!

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On this episode of Social Chats, we will be speaking with Christina Fernandez, who brings over 15 years of experience in education, with a leadership journey shaped by personal self-healing and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence and trauma-responsive practices. 

Her leadership approach fosters safe, supportive environments where both students and staff feel valued and empowered. With a focus on empathy, resilience, and connection, Christina is committed to creating school cultures that prioritize both academic success and emotional well-being, believing that compassionate leadership is key to sparking lasting, transformative change.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent/Principal of Cold Spring Elementary School District in Santa Barbara. Under her leadership, this district has become one of California's top performers, with remarkable proficiency rates of 99% in English, 98% in Math, and 97% in Science. Dr. Alzina's approach integrates STEAM, arts, music, and physical education into the core curriculum while prioritizing social-emotional learning through programs like Franklin Covey's "Leader in Me." She's established free counseling services and fosters an inclusive culture through active parent, student, and staff engagement. Beyond her district role, Dr. Alzina serves on the boards of both the Association of California School Administrators and the Small School Districts' Association, advocating for students statewide.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Veronica Rodriguez, the Principal at Ruth O. Harris Middle School in Colton, CA. A proud product of the Colton Joint Unified School District and Bloomington Bruin graduate, Principal Rodriguez has returned to serve the very community that shaped her educational foundation.

With 22 years in education, her path has taken her from substitute teaching to special education, through assistant principalship, and now to leading Ruth O. Harris Middle School.

When she's not championing student achievement, you might find her enjoying time with family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, diving into a good book, connecting with friends, or hitting the gym.

Today, we'll hear about her educational philosophy, the challenges and rewards of school leadership, and how her deep roots in the community influence her approach to creating an environment where students can thrive.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Dr. Atikah Osman, a passionate and purpose-driven school leader who’s making waves in education by blending high expectations with heart. She serves in one of California’s largest urban school districts, where she’s known for championing equity, academic rigor, and culturally relevant teaching.

Dr. Osman was named ACSA Region 17 Co-Administrator of the Year in 2024 and is a 2025 NASSP California State Finalist for Assistant Principal of the Year—recognition that speaks to her deep impact on student success, teacher growth, and school culture.

She’s not just about test scores and titles, though. Atikah leads with authenticity, celebrates her community loudly and proudly, and believes that storytelling—whether through students, staff, or social media—is a powerful leadership tool. Whether she’s coaching teachers, spotlighting school culture and student life, or reimagining professional development, her focus is clear: empower people and create a school where everyone feels they belong.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Yolanda Valdez, a distinguished educator whose over 30 year career is marked by a passionate commitment to enhancing student education and nurturing future leaders. 

With a decade of experience as Superintendent, she has demonstrated steadfast leadership, catalyzing significant academic advancements as well as facility and community development within the Cutler-Orosi School District. Beyond her administrative achievements, Yolanda's active participation in numerous committees and organizations underscores her commitment to proactive leadership. Her career not only illustrates her pivotal role in transforming educational practices but also her dedication to mentoring and inspiring future generations of educational leaders.

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On this episode of Social Chats we will be speaking with Dr. Neil Gupta is the Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools in Ohio. He is excited to lead a high-performing district that focuses on the whole child and connects learning to relevant, real-world experiences.

Dr. Gupta has presented at the state, national, and international levels on leadership, assessments, and coaching. Neil is passionate about administrative leadership, coaching teams, and working with teams using effective strategies and tools, such as design thinking and organizational management, to create positive change. 

Dr. Gupta is a member of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the AASA School Superintendent Association, the National Association of School Superintendents, ASCD/ISTE, the All4Ed Future Ready Schools Advisory Team, and the Finalsite Superintendent Collaborative. Neil also serves on the District Administration Leadership Institute Team Advisory Board and is recognized as a National Association of Schools Superintendents Influencer.

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