About Me
I love coaching and helping others. I know what it’s like to struggle as a leader and get bogged down by failures. I’ve also experienced the exhilaration of successes when things go well. I’m open to a lot of aspects about where the future will take me, but coaching others is something I’ve realized has to be a nonnegotiable for me. I am at my best and I feel my best when I’m helping others be their best.
My Experience
EDUCATION
➞ Harvard University, B.A., 2009
➞ Johns Hopkins University, M.S. in Organizational Leadership, 2018
➞ Leading Excellence Insight & Aspire Fellowships | YES Prep Public Schools, 2014-2016
➞ UnidosUS: The National Institute for Latino School Leaders Fellowship Program, 2019-2021
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Over 12 years as a teacher-leader, administrator, principal, and startup entrepreneur
As a Principal:
➞ Achieved double-digit gains on the state test for English Language Learners (ELL) and non-ELL students
➞ Received 90% satisfaction results from staff, landing among the top in the district.
AWARDS
➞ 2019 Educational Administration Award Winner, American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
➞ 2020 Champion for Education Honoree, Teach for America – Houston
➞ 2019 U.S. News and World Report High School Ranking of #568 in the Nation and #78 in Texas
My Background
UPBRINGING
I was born and raised in Cliffside Park, NJ to parents who were both immigrants from El Salvador. I grew up proud to be Salvadoran and American. Throughout my childhood, my parents pushed me to build on what they accomplished. If they could achieve so much after coming to this country with nothing, than I should be able to achieve so much more.
EARLY CAREER
Upon graduating from college I did two years as a Teach for America Corps Member, teaching 8th grade science at Fondren Middle School in Houston Independent School District, also serving as the Science Department Chair for a year. Subsequently, I moved to YES Prep Brays Oaks to help found the 8th grade as a science teacher and grade level chair (teacher-leader).
GENERAL INTERESTS
I enjoy the company of a good book and running half marathons (I’ve run a few marathons too). Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a passion for writing and am in the process of writing a few books.
