About CO-ALAS
OUR Mission
To support aspiring and current Latino and Latina administrators and educational leaders by promoting best practices, professional learning, communication, and networking to support the growing Latino community.
OUR Vision
To have highly skilled and effective Latino and Latina administrators and educational leaders in P-20 education to ensure the success of all students.
Core Values
Vision, Leadership, Commitment, and Influential.
Cultural Value
Familia. Familia as a value speaks to our commitment to preparing educators to be competitive in seeking leadership positions through quality professional development, mentoring, and networking. When you become part of COALAS you become part of our family and we are committed to your success as an educational leader
Strategic Priorities
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Priority 1: COALAS will be a recognized organization statewide.
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Priority 2: COALAS will achieve financial stability (and accountability).
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Priority 3: COALAS will increase the percentage of Latinx leaders at the school and district level.
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Priority 4: COALAS will work to increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access across the state advocacy across the state.
OUR Goals
Effectively communicate our vision and mission.
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Promote the organization to increase membership.
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Work cooperatively with educational organizations to advocate for quality and equitable public education.
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Provide regular updates about key educational issues
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Increase support from corporate sponsors
Provide Members with opportunities for professional learning by sharing best practices.
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Create learning opportunities regarding effective school/district administration and leadership.
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Promote learning opportunities on effective instructional practices.
Develop leadership capacity to increase the number of under-represented educational leaders.
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Mentoring opportunities for members.
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Networking opportunities for members.
CO-ALAS Leadership

President: Dr. Luis Murillo
Assistant Superintendent
Alamosa School District
luis.murillo@co-alas.org
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CO-Chair: Dr. Maria Rodriguez
High School Assistant Principal
Denver Public Schools

Secretary: Tracy Gallegos
Learning Innovation Strategist
Mesa County Valley School District 51
tracy.gallegos@co-alas.org

Board Director: Dr. Edgar M. Torres
High School Principal
Mapleton Public Schools

Executive Director: Don V. Rangel
Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents
President/CEO DVR Educational Consulting Group Inc.
Superintendent of Schools (Retired)
don.rangel@co-alas.org

President-Elect: Nathan Cabrera
Director Family and Community Partnerships
Jeffco Public Schools
nate.cabrera@co-alas.org

CO-Chair: Dr. Michael Claudio
Executive Director of Student Services
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

Board Director: Dr. Ron Cabrera
Executive Director, 4 Corners Leadership Academy

Board Director: Tara Pena
Chief of Family and Community Partnerships
Jeffco Public Schools
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Director of Operations: Dr. Denine Echevarria
Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents
info@co-alas.org

Past President: Teresa Barajas
Interim Director Family and Community Partnerships
Jeffco Public Schools

Treasurer: Carrie Torres-Yantzer
Leadership Development Strategist
Capturing Kids Hearts

Board Director: Dr. Janet Estrada
Elementary School Principal
Denver Public Schools

Board Director: Dr. Adella Arredondo
Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement
Denver Public Schools

Director of Programs: Dr. Diana Roybal
Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents
Superintendent of Schools (Retired)
diana.roybal@co-alas.org
CO-ALAS Delegates
Adams 12 School District
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Alamosa School District
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Boulder Valley School District
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Brighton 27J School District
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Cherry Creek School District
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Denver Public Schools
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Greeley-Evans School District 6
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Harrison School District
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Jefferson County School District
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Littleton Public Schools
Erica Garcia-Acosta​
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Mesa County Valley School District 51
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Northern Colorado Migrant Education Program
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Pinnacle Charter School
Dr. Paulina Lerma
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Adams 14 School District
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Southwestern Colorado Migrant Education Program
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Thompson School District
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Special Representatives
Dr. Doris Candelarie, University of Denver
Dr. Lora De La Cruz, Deputy Superintendent of Boulder Valley School District
Dr. Margarita Tovar, Colorado Department of Education
Jesus Escarcega, CO-ALAS Co-Founder (Retired)