Leading with Heart: A 50-Year Journey of Impact

Leadership isn't a title; it's a journey—a constant evolution requiring reflection, growth, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. In the world of education, the leaders who make the most profound impact are those who know how to build trust, earn respect, show empathy, and empower others. While some of these qualities may come naturally, many are developed through hard work, introspection, and experience.

As educators, we don’t just teach—we inspire. We shape minds, model the behaviors we hope to see in others, and, most importantly, lead by example. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we encourage our students and peers every day to step into their own leadership roles. In doing so, we also shape the future of those who will follow in our footsteps. 

The best leaders are defined by their character: integrity, humility, empathy, passion, and vision. These qualities are cultivated over time through triumphs and challenges. My journey, spanning five decades, has been a masterclass in leadership, and I'm eager to share the pivotal lessons that have shaped me. 

Finding My Leadership Voice: From Softball to the Boardroom 

Everyone's path to leadership is unique, often beginning in unexpected places. For me, it started on the softball field. I was the shortstop on my team, and while we didn’t have official captains, my coach relied on me to encourage and uplift others—both on and off the field. He was tough, but he cared deeply, and his leadership style created a sense of family within the team. Later, I briefly joined a highly ranked competing team, where I encountered a coach whose leadership was rooted in fear and harsh discipline. Although that team was also successful, my experiences were worlds apart. That contrast was a defining moment for me—I knew exactly the kind of leader I wanted to be.

As a middle school student council president, I began to understand the myriad of struggles experienced by my peers. I didn’t realize then that these struggles would be persistent and continue to plague our society decades later. When I entered the workforce, I carried those lessons with me, taking leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. In each of these positions, I learned the power of listening before leading. These experiences, along with guidance from mentors and colleagues, shaped my leadership philosophy. 

Building a Leadership Foundation: Values That Endure

For me, leadership is fundamentally about service and empowering others. It's a reflection of my upbringing, my challenges, and my passions. My approach is deeply influenced by the values instilled in me by my Mexican family and the life experiences that have shaped me along the way, which became the bedrock of my leadership style. The following values guided me through my career and continue to do so today. 

• Trust and Respect: My father's words, "Your word is your bond," resonated deeply. He taught me to respect everyone, regardless of their position, and to see the whole person. I learned that to earn respect, you must first offer it, and this is something I carry with me every day. In practice, this meant being transparent, supportive, and truly listening to my team.
• Patience and Kindness: My mother taught me the power of empathy. From her, I learned to lead with a heart full of understanding. As a school counselor, I worked with at-risk students who often felt invisible to the world. Many had struggles beyond their control—such as studying in a car because that was the only light they had. It was a stark reminder that labels often mask complex realities.
• Empowerment and Service: From a young age, I felt a deep responsibility to help others. Whether bridging communication gaps, advocating for opportunities for all, or simply being an example of what’s possible, I’ve embraced leadership roles as a chance to make a difference on a larger scale.

As I moved through different roles, from managing educational programs to national initiatives, I expanded and refined my skills as a leader. 

Key Skills Forged in the Crucible of Experience

My leadership skills weren't built overnight. They were forged in pivotal moments.

• Teamwork and Commitment: Being on a sports team and serving as drum major for my high school marching band taught me that success is a collective effort. It’s about commitment, collaboration, and understanding the value of each person’s contribution. These lessons directly translated into my professional life, where I learned to balance individual contributions with team objectives to achieve success.
• Strategic Thinking and Accountability: My work in educational leadership and program evaluation sharpened my focus on strategic planning, accountability, and goal setting. I learned to lead with purpose and inspire others to do the same.
• Adaptability and Resilience: As a medical school aspirant and—later—counselor, I learned the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. I discovered that leadership is often about pivoting and adapting in the face of unexpected challenges.

Through these experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of relationships, empowerment, and creating environments where others can thrive—skills that are second nature to educators. 

The Power of Community, Culture, and Connection

Leadership, like life, is enriched by different perspectives. Growing up in a Mexican American household taught me the beauty of blending cultures to create something truly meaningful. Just as my mother’s breakfast tacos were a blend of flavors, effective leadership is about building connections between people—drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences. Leadership is also about community—connecting people to resources, opportunities, and each other to help them succeed. It’s about using our positions of privilege to advocate for those who need our support—especially students.

Finding Your Leadership Path

Reflecting on the last 50 years, I recognize my responsibility to use my privilege to uplift others. I’m proud to see so many leaders like you in our schools today—people who are pushing boundaries, advocating for what’s right, and making a positive impact on the lives of those you serve. Your impact is profound. I encourage you to embrace your unique leadership path, knowing that your work has the power to shape the future. Keep leading with heart, and together, we’ll continue to make a difference.

For more leadership tips, check out Elda’s LinkedIn profile. 

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Other Recommended Resources:
Advocating for Yourself at School
How to Become an Education Advocate
Paying It Forward: 3 Tips for Empowering New Teachers