CALSA Welcomes First Female Co-Executive Directors
SACRAMENTO - On Saturday, August 1, 2020, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Board of Directors took action to appoint Co-Executive Directors to lead and continue to build the strong growth and momentum of the non-profit organization.
Martha Martinez and Ofelia Lariviere were selected to serve as Co-Executive Directors. Ms. Martinez and Mrs. Lariviere will share responsibilities for the position and will work closely with the CALSA Board on strategic initiatives. Both are long time CALSA veterans and experienced educational leaders. They both have served as past CALSA Presidents, former Superintendents and have strong relationships throughout the state.
Mrs. Lariviere brings twenty-eight years of administrative experience to the position of Co-Executive Director. Ofelia has served as a Superintendent, CALSA Board President, and Executive Board Member for ACSA and a mentor to many CALSA members. Ofelia shared her excitement for the position, “ It brings me great joy to continue to serve CALSA and give back to our familia and great organization which I am deeply committed to. I look forward to leading and collaborating alongside Martha Martinez and our Board of Directors.”
Ms. Martinez brings twenty-five years of administrative experience to the position of Co-Executive Director. Martha has served as a Superintendent, CALSA President, and is a well-established member of the educational community. She has been recognized as CALSA Region 5 Superintendent of the Year and 2018 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 10 Superintendent of the year. “I am excited for the grand opportunity to build upon the CALSA’s successes for the tomorrow we want.” asserted Ms. Martinez. “ Seguimos adelante, juntos y unidos por la causa!”
“We are so excited for our new Co-Executive Directors”, CALSA Board President Ivan Chaidez asserted. “We will continue to innovate and grow as an organization, especially during these fluid times. The CALSA Board looks forward to working with both Martha and Ofelia, as we reinforce our commitment to serving the leaders and students of California. We are more keenly poised to develop meaningful engagement strategies and bring more value to the current and aspiring leaders in our great state.”
The appointment comes as CALSA is growing member opportunities and building upon existing programs. The organization is expanding support for Superintendents through the Superintendents’ Circle, increasing the CALSA Women’s Leadership Network (CALSA-WLN), and enriching our Mentoring program. This is the first time that the Executive Director position will be held by women. Mrs. Lariviere and Ms. Martinez are the right leaders to guide CALSA and nurture important relationships throughout the state.
About CALSA:
CALSA is a community of diverse educational leaders skilled in addressing the needs of Latino/a students and dedicated to increasing the number of highly effective leaders with Corazon . For more than 20 years, CALSA has been known for its well-established Mentoring Program, Women’s Leadership Network (WLN), and bringing evidence-based practices to leaders.