Join host Pablo Muñoz for a wonderful conversation with his featured guest — Amy Gonzales.

Amy is the program administrator for THRIVE at The University of Texas at Austin. She has worked in public education for more than 20 years. Amy is a first-generation college graduate striving to be a role model for little girls that look like her.

1:03 - Introduction

1:54 - My Leadership Story

20:40 - Race, Education, and Economic Status

31:47 - Racism, Microaggressions, and Language

42:40 - THRIVE

53:37 - Crockett Early College High School

1:02:08 - Leading Through a Global Pandemic

1:09:28 - Latina Leaders

1:17:32 - Social Media Memoir

1:24:03 - Brown Woman, White School

1:30:45 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Amy Gonzales was a teacher, academic dean, assistant principal, and principal for the Austin Independent School District in Texas. She is the co-author of The Principal All Communities Deserve and is currently working on her second book, which is a social media memoir. Amy worked as a team leader and lead mentor teacher and developed several family engagement programs.

Amy received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Amy earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy through the Cooperative Superintendency Program at The University of Texas at Austin.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-gonzales-ed-d-869082250

Website: thrive.education.utexas.edu/

Instagram: instagram.com/gonzaleseducation/

Email: amy.gonzales622@gmail.com

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a captivating conversation with his featured guest — JoAnn Gama.

JoAnn is a charter school founder and education leader who has held nearly every role in a school system, from teacher to superintendent and CEO. She is the founder of GEMS, where she develops and coaches school leaders nationwide. JoAnn is also a mother, wife, and daughter who believes leadership is personal and schools change lives.

1:03 - Introduction

2:00 - My Leadership Story

33:58 - GEMS

36:20 - Charter Schools and Choice

40:06 - Developing Principals

45:44 - IDEA Public Schools

49:59 - Scaling Schools, Growing Quickly

53:40 - The Broken Middle

57:14 - Latinx Leadership Pipelines

1:01:04 - Guiding Principles

JoAnn Gama is a Latinx leadership coach with more than two decades of experience building and leading high-performing schools and systems. She was the superintendent and CEO at IDEA Public Schools in Texas during a period of strong growth and student outcomes. JoAnn later served as chief talent officer at Phalen Leadership Academies, where she leads human capital strategy, leadership development, and efforts to strengthen retention and internal leadership pipelines.

JoAnn brings lived experience and system-level insight to conversations about school choice, college access, leadership representation, and educator retention. She received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Boston University. JoAnn earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas Pan American.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joann-gama-b0b89217a

Website: gama-ed.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/gems_eduservices/

Email: joanngama@gmail.com

Email: joanngama@gama-ed.com

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a courageous conversation with his featured guest — Luis Ávila.

Luis is a Mexican immigrant founder who uses entrepreneurship, media, and art to build power. He is an award-winning journalist and artist who has launched multiple successful projects shaped by their political and cultural moment. Luis is the president of Iconico, where he works with leaders globally to turn bold ideas into durable, community-rooted organizations.

1:03 - Introduction

2:05 - My Leadership Story

15:32 - Iconico

20:26 - TNTP

23:42 - Instituto

27:19 - Closing the Door Behind Us

31:32 - Living Between Cultures

33:23 - What’s Born After the Fire

38:04 - Guiding Principles

Luis Ávila has built institutions, media platforms, and leadership pipelines that respond directly to the political, cultural, and economic realities shaping Latino and immigrant life in the United States. He has produced award-winning print, radio, and digital media, which have appeared in The Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times, La Voz, CNN en Español, Radio Fórmula, and KJZZ. Luis previously served as vice chair of UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights organization, and as board chair of TNTP, a national education nonprofit.

Luis is the author of Nómada Temporal, a book of chronicles, and regularly publishes essays, fiction, and reflections through La Bella Práctica. He has also worked as an actor and radio producer. Luis is a Pahara Fellow, part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and he received a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phoenikera

Website: iconico.io/

Substack: www.bellapractica.io

Instagram: instagram.com/luisavilaphx

Email: luis@iconico.io

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a moving conversation with his featured guest — Sarah Figueroa-Freeman.

Sarah has been working in and around the education field since 1999. She has held multiple leadership roles within K-16 schools and education-focused non-profit organizations. Sarah is the daughter of immigrant parents and an accomplished leader with a passion for serving urban communities, ensuring access to high quality services and educational opportunities.

1:03 - Introduction

2:07 - My Leadership Story

31:13 - Para Los Niños

36:29 - Camino Nuevo Charter Academy

38:19 - Chief Education Advisor

42:27 - Building Sustainable Leadership

46:38 - Beautiful Burden

49:27 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Sarah Figueroa-Freeman is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Para Los Niños. She has held various leadership roles with organizations such as the California Charter Schools Association, National Labor Relations Board, American Federation of Teachers, California State Senate, Cal State LA, University of San Francisco, and Los Angeles Unified School District. Sarah served as the chief operating officer at Camino Nuevo Charter School.

Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of San Francisco. She holds a master’s degree in labor and employment relations from Rutgers University. Sarah earned a doctorate in educational leadership for social justice from Loyola Marymount University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-figueroa-freeman-ed-d-39a97367

Email: sfigueroa@paralosninos.org

Email: sarahfig76@gmail.com

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a thought-provoking conversation with his featured guest — Lisette Nieves.

Lisette is the president of the Fund for the City of New York, advancing innovation across technology, policy, and community impact. She is a clinical professor at New York University (NYU) who co-founded the Center for Youth and the Future of Work and a groundbreaking doctoral program in Leadership and Innovation at NYU Steinhardt. Lisette is the author of two books on equity in work-based learning and youth career pathways.

1:03 - Introduction

2:06 - My Leadership Story

38:12 - Fund for the City of New York

46:28 - Work-Based Learning

1:11:09 - White House Commission

1:16:07 - Working for a Future

1:22:27 - My Past Should Not Be My Future

1:28:17 - Young Women of Color

1:35:24 - Invisible Labor, Visible Consequences

1:40:10 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Lisette Nieves is a visionary leader and a steadfast advocate for public service innovation. She has dedicated her career to pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in government and nonprofit effectiveness. Lisette advances leadership training and innovative research, and she ensures that the voices of young people are at the forefront of shaping workforce development opportunities.

Lisette is the author of two influential books: Working for a Future: Equity and Access in Work-Based Learning for Young People and Working to Learn: Disrupting the Divide between College and Career Pathways for Young People. She is a Truman Scholar, Rhodes Scholar, Aspen Pahara Fellow, and Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellow. Lisette was appointed to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and the Board of AmeriCorps.

Lisette received a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oxford and a master’s degree in public administration from Princeton University. Lisette earned a doctorate with distinction in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisette-nieves-5414395

Email: lnieves@fcny.org

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an uplifting conversation with his featured guest — Sonia Ruiz.

Sonia is a proud Latina leader who has dedicated her life to serving others. She is an equity-minded leader who believes that representation matters and that all students deserve to be seen, valued, and supported. Sonia was named the 2025 Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year and the 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year.

1:03 - Introduction

2:09 - My Leadership Story

19:25 - Principal of the Year

24:28 - Latina Leaders

28:47 - Assistant Principal

33:08 - You Matter, You Belong

35:57 - Representation Matters

39:20 - Guiding Principles

Sonia Ruiz is the principal of Jane Addams Middle School at the Valley View School District 365U in Illinois, where her leadership has led the school to Exemplary Status for three consecutive years. She has over two decades of experience dedicated to fostering inclusive, high-achieving school communities. Sonia serves as the diversity and equity chairwoman for the Illinois Principals Association (IPA).

Sonia received a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds a second master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Sonia is working on her doctorate in educational administration and foundations at Illinois State University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonia-ruiz-00016b14b

Email: ruizse@vvsd.org

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a fascinating conversation with his featured guest — Patricia Hurrieta.

Patricia offers a unique "full-circle" perspective as a biliterate public school educator who has served in every capacity from custodian to successful 15-year principal. She is currently spearheading the implementation of La Raza Report to dismantle the "Brown Ceiling" and ensure Latine students, staff, and families are reflected in the system's success. Patricia is the director of the Latine Student Success (LSS) team and a 30-year veteran leader of the Denver Public Schools (DPS).

1:03 - Introduction

2:11 - My Leadership Story

31:06 - La Raza Report

36:57 - Latine Student Success

40:57 - Brown Ceiling

44:12 - Principal

48:58 - Culture, Equity, and Leadership

52:06 - Momentum and Execution

54:30 - Biliteracy and Belonging

58:32 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Patricia Hurrieta uses her extensive culturally responsive leadership expertise to address La Raza Report and Latine family needs. She was the executive director of culture, equity, and leadership and the principal of multiple schools. Patricia helped establish the Seal of Biliteracy at the district and state levels with a four-district Colorado team, officially recognizing students' biliteracy.

Patricia received a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver. Patricia earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Denver.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phurrieta

Website: dpsk12.org/page/la-raza

Email: phurrie@dpsk12.net

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com

Join host Pablo Muñoz for a passionate conversation with his featured guest — Evelyn Robles-Rivas.

Evelyn is a proud first-generation Latina from Puerto Rico, who has lived in Connecticut for 33 years. She is the director of multilingual learners programs for the New Haven Public Schools in Connecticut. Evelyn champions educational equity, ensuring that multilingual learners receive high-quality instruction and inclusive support.

1:03 - Introduction

2:07 - My Leadership Story

41:02 - Multilingual Learners

44:07 - Blue Ribbon School

49:31 - Latina Leaders

55:23 - Successful Latinas

57:00 - Cultural Heritage

59:30 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Evelyn Robles-Rivas is the co-chair of the Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL) and past president of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS). She worked for six years as the supervisor of language and community partnerships for the Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut, and she is the former principal at Worthington Hooker School in New Haven, where she worked for 12 years. Evelyn has contributed significantly to students’ linguistic and academic success by creating systems that support and provide high-quality instructional programs for all students.

Evelyn received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from la Universidad de Puerto Rico. She earned a master’s degree in bilingual and bicultural education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut. Evelyn also completed an executive leadership program to meet the superintendent of schools’ certification requirements.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evelyn-robles-rivas-ph-d-b2b01a3b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evelyn.roblesrivas

Email: evelyn.robles-rivas@new-haven.k12.ct.us

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: pablo@themunozcompany.com