CALSA Plants Seeds of Purpose, Cultivates Future Leaders at Summer Institute 2025

Sacramento, CA— With a theme rooted in ancestry, resistance, and the promise of what’s to come, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) gathered for its annual Summer Institute under the theme Somos Semillas: Cultivating the Future Together, a call to lead with courage, deepen community ties, and plant lasting systems of equity.

The sold-out four-day event held June 25–28 in Chula Vista, California, drew more than 500 education leaders from across the state. The program featured sessions on multilingual learner assessment, artificial intelligence in education, equity-focused leadership, and systemwide transformation. Highlights included discussions on math equity, culturally responsive Multi-Tiered System of Supports, immigrant family engagement, emotionally intelligent leadership, and more.

“Our theme speaks to the essence of who we are. Each of us is a seed. Planted in different soils, weathering different storms but united with a shared purpose,” CALSA President Dr. Roxane Fuentes said. “To grow, to uplift and to bear the fruit of the next generation of leaders. We are so grateful for those who have come before us and now it is our turn to pay it forward.”

The Summer Institute opened with school site visits led by CALSA Immediate Past President Dr. Zandra Jo Galván and four pre-conference institutes focused on instructional leadership and equity. The institutes included the CALSA Mentoring Program, the Developing Equity Leaders for Postsecondary Impact (DELPI) Pathway, FranklinCovey’s “Four Essential Roles of Leadership,” and “Empowering Classified Leaders Through the 7 Habits.” Together, they highlighted effective leadership strategies, the importance of strong team culture, and approaches to advancing equity across school systems.

“I’m grateful to be here and truly enjoying the institute,” said Kermit Boyd, Career Technical Education Teacher on Special Assignment at the Riverside County Office of Education and a participant in the DELPI program. “I’m learning about power and privilege and reflecting on the responsibility that comes with leadership. One of the most important takeaways for me is learning to look in the mirror before looking out the window. It’s been powerful to connect and grow with so many dedicated leaders.”

Actor and activist Edward James Olmos headlined a spotlight session that drew a packed ballroom for the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), joined by Axel Caballero, Dr. Karling Aguilera-Fort, Dr. Raul Maldonado, and Dr. Rachel Raimist. The panel highlighted the power of student storytelling to reshape educational spaces and featured a screening of the YCP alumni musical, “Perfect.” As the lights dimmed, audience members were captivated by the film, which was written, directed, produced, and performed by students in collaboration with industry professionals on the Universal Studios backlot.

The Honoring Our Own Gala celebrated CALSA’s 2025 statewide award recipients, recognizing excellence in leadership and a shared commitment to equity. Superintendent of the Year went to Dr. Raul Maldonado, superintendent of Palmdale School District, for his work on the Palmdale PROMISE. Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez, certificated central office administrator at Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa ROP, was named Certificated Central Office Administrator of the Year for her advocacy and mentorship.

Other honorees included Site Administrator of the Year Gabriela Mendoza-Torres of Santa Rosa City Schools, Classified Administrator of the Year Dr. Rafael Gaeta of Garvey School District, and Aspiring Administrators of the Year Yaimar De Leon of Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified and Samantha Flores of Jurupa Unified.

The evening also marked board transitions. Dr. Juan Manuel Santos was installed as president, Diego Ochoa as president-elect, and Dr. Margaret Heredia-Peltz as Region 1 director. Yolanda Valdez and Jessica Ochoa were re-elected as Region 3 and Region 5 directors, respectively. A tribute honored retiring Executive Director Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere for her decades of service. The emotional farewell ended with a standing ovation and attendees taking to the dance floor in celebration.

“CALSA has been my home, purpose and community for the past 25 years. I have been blessed with opportunities to grow, lead and learn among the most passionate and courageous leaders and advocates across California,” said Ceja-Lariviere. “As your executive director, I had the profound honor of serving, representing our mission with integrity and helping sustain a legacy rooted in advocacy, equity and leadership development. I know the spirit of this organization will continue to shine brightly, so thank you for the privilege of serving and believing in me.”

The institute concluded with a CALSA X-Periencia spotlight featuring Hacienda La Puente Unified Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, who reflected on legacy, identity, and the conference theme, "Somos Semillas." He prompted the audience to join in singing "De Colores," connecting the message of the institute to the enduring spirit of those who came before. A keynote followed from Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, superintendent of Pasadena Unified, who spoke about the district’s recovery following the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the importance of community during times of crisis.

The 2025 Summer Institute closed with a shared commitment to lead with purpose and cultivate the next generation of education leaders.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Photo 1: CALSA Executive Board members thank Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho following his keynote address during the June 26 general session at the 2025 Summer Institute.