Join host Pablo Muñoz for an honest and vulnerable conversation with his featured guest — Veronica Ruiz.

Veronica is a proud Latina woman born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. She is the co-founder and CEO of Visionary Youth CT. Veronica is also the director of family, school, and community partnerships at Vernon Public Schools in Connecticut.

1:03 - Introduction

2:00 - My Leadership Story

25:54 - Family, School, and Community Partnerships

29:18 - Visionary Youth CT

40:03 - Youth Advocate Programs

42:46 - Our Piece of the Pie

45:33 - Latina Leader Breaking Cycles

49:51 - Capital City Education Alliance

52:27 - Guiding Principles

Veronica Ruiz understands both the challenges and the resilience that exist within underserved communities. Her experiences inspired her to dedicate her life and career to creating opportunities, resources, and safe spaces for youth and families. Veronica has over 15 years of experience in human services, youth development, education, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with marginalized and underserved populations, leading initiatives centered around equity, restorative practices, trauma-informed care, youth empowerment, and family engagement.

Veronica received a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College. She earned a second master’s degree in psychology from Capella University. Veronica is currently a doctoral candidate at Capella University.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/veronica-ruiz-co-founder-ceo-of-visionary-youth-18883067

Facebook: facebook.com/people/Visionary-Youth/61584126427020/

Email: VeronicaRuiz2822@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 passionate conversation with his featured guest — Irella Pérez.

Irella is a transformative educational leader whose 35-year career spans from instructional assistant to superintendent. She is grounded in an unwavering commitment to equity and multilingual excellence. Irella is a Latina Chinese American immigrant scholar from Nicaragua and an author who brings a powerful voice to educational leadership.

1:03 - Introduction

2:14 - My Leadership Story

35:06 - Purpose and Resilience

44:24 - CLEAR

48:23 - Principal

53:37 - Suyensita and Her Adventures

58:15 - Leading with Humanity

1:00:39 - Board of Education

1:04:53 - Guiding Principles

Dr. Irella Pérez was born and raised in Nicaragua amid war, dictatorship, and revolution, and her life has been shaped by resilience, displacement, and hope. She has served as a superintendent, school board trustee, professor, consultant, executive leader, and author. Irella is Superintendent in Residence for Renaissance Learning, where she serves as a strategic advisor advancing systems reform, transformational leadership, and public affairs.

Irella received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature and a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Long Beach. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. Irella is founder of the CALSA Hermanas Leading Network and co-founder of Athenas of Happiness.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-irella-perez-26a53036

Email: drirellaperez@yahoo.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 an informative conversation with his featured guest — Manuel Zaldivar.

Manuel leads with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to uplifting others around him. His journey is rooted in hard work, resilience, and a genuine connection to the communities he serves. Manuel continues to inspire and embody the spirit of Latino leadership through his vision and authenticity.

1:03 - Introduction

2:02 - My Leadership Story

26:30 - Multilingual Programs

29:51 - Milken Educator Award

35:26 - Principal

40:40 - Growing into Leadership

43:27 - Assistant Principal

47:02 - Support System of People

50:58 - Guiding Principles

Manuel Zaldivar was born in Honduras and immigrated to the United States in 1998. His first job in the United States was as an elevator operator, an experience that taught him responsibility and perseverance. Manuel began his journey into education through AmeriCorps, where he discovered his passion for working with students. He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, intervention coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and multilingual supervisor. Manuel is currently the acting assistant superintendent for the Waterbury Public Schools in Connecticut.

Manuel received a bachelor’s degree in computer science and management applications from Fordham University. He earned a master’s degree in childhood education from Lehman College. Manuel won the Milken Educator Award for Connecticut in 2016.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/manuel-zaldivar-b8b0a3368

Facebook: facebook.com/manuel.zaldivar.7

Email: zaldivar21@hotmail.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