Winners will be recognized at the ALAS Gala Dinner Event October 11, 2024 in Portland, Oregon during ALAS’ National Education Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 4, 2024) – The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) has announced the recipients of its 2024-25 ALAS Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary education leadership and advocacy around issues impacting the education of Latino and other historically marginalized students.
The recipients will be recognized at a special awards ceremony during the ALAS Gala Dinner Event October 11, 2024 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. The event takes place on the final day of the ALAS 21st National Education Summit which runs Oct. 9-11, 2024.
2024-2025 ALAS Award Winners:
Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Office of Education
Duardo serves as Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, leading the nation’s largest regional education agency, which oversees 80 K-12 school districts serving 1.3 million students across the country’s most populous and diverse county. She is an unrelenting advocate for students and families and has a fierce passion for supporting students at every crossroad in their educational journey. Since her appointment in 2016, Duardo has focused on ensuring educational equity and access for all students; supporting at-promise students and their families; and providing the leadership and support superintendents and administrators need to help school communities learn, grow and thrive.
ALAS Central Office Administrator of the Year: Joanne Fimbres, Pendergast Elementary School District
Fimbres serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Pendergast Elementary School District in Arizona where, during her 25-year career in education, she has always focused on what is best for students, their education, and providing the educational tools they need to succeed. Fimbres is an active member of the Arizona ALAS, as well as the national ALAS, and an alumni of the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy.
ALAS Principal of the Year: Carlos Ramirez, Randolph Elementary School
Ramirez is the principal of Randolph Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia where diversity and culture are embraced and celebrated within a nurturing and inclusive environment. He is a dedicated educational leader with a profound commitment to nurturing global citizenship and fostering a lifelong passion for learning in students. He was selected for his servant leadership style, his tireless work for students, and his care and concern for staff.
ALAS Advocacy Award: Dr. LeAnne Salazar-Montoya, University of Nevada
Salazar-Montoya is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is vice president of the Nevada ALAS. She is former president of New Mexico ALAS and is an alumni of the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy. Salazar-Montoya is a tireless advocate for equitable educational opportunities for families and students in public education. As an author and educator, her work focuses on the concept of “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors,” reiterating the importance of individuals being able to envision and achieve their potential.
ALAS Student of the Year: Dafnee Marquez Padilla, Arlington Career Center
Marquez Padilla is in 11th grade at the English Learner Institute (ELI) at the Arlington Career Center in Arlington Public Schools, Virginia. Originally from El Salvador, she was chosen for the grit and tenacity she’s shown during her personal journey and for being a role model for multilingual learners and those who are the most underrepresented. She is the ELI Student Government Treasurer and serves as a mentor for newcomer students.
ALAS Affiliate of the Year: Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS)
AZALAS is recognized for its state leadership, support and work in putting historically marginalized youth at the forefront, and for being a voice for the underrepresented. Currently, over 45% of public-school students in Arizona are Hispanic yet less than 17% of administrators are Hispanic. AZALAS works to create and provide professional development and support programs for superintendents, school administrators, and aspiring school leaders who serve Latino students.
“Our awards program honors and celebrates the extraordinary individuals and organizations making a difference for Latino youth in their communities and beyond,” said ALAS Executive Director Ulysses Navarrete. “Our 2024-25 award recipients are passionate advocates for the underserved and are a positive force in education. We look forward to celebrating them at our Awards Gala on October 11th.”
The ALAS National Education Summit is the association’s flagship leadership development and networking event for administrators at schools and districts that serve primarily Latino and other historically marginalized youth. The event focuses on addressing challenges in the education system, particularly those impacting Latino students, and provides a forum for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and identify solutions that can be applied throughout the industry. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Embracing Tomorrow, Fostering Culture, Driving Change, and Promoting Collaboration.”
For more information about the Summit and the Awards Gala, visit https://www.alasedu.org/annual-summit (registration closes September 9, 2024).
For more information about ALAS, visit www.alasedu.org.
About the Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS)
The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] is committed to providing a perspective to all aspiring school and district administrators including superintendents through programs, services, advocacy and networks rooted in Latino experiences and culture. Our Vision, Mission and Goals are to provide leadership at the national level that assures every school in America effectively serves the educational needs of all students with an emphasis on Latino and other historically marginalized youth through continuous professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking to share practices of promise for our students and the communities where we serve.
By the year 2026, Latino children will make up 30 percent of the school-age population. In the nation’s largest states – California, Texas, Florida, and New York- all of whom are ALAS State Affiliates – Latinos already have reached that level. It is of vital interest to invest in the education of every child, and the professional learning of all educators who serve Latino youth.
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