February 2026 - Dr. Erica Garcia

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT February 2026

Welcome to the CO ALAS Membership Spotlight. Each month we introduce you to one of our many CO-ALAS members. Let’s see what they are doing and what’s on their mind!

This month we are featuring Dr. Erica Garcia, Principal of Field Elementary School in Littleton Public Schools. Dr. Garcia shares her professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to his various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

I have had the privilege of serving in K-12 public education in a variety of roles in all grade level spans for almost three decades. Altogether, I bring four years of experience in classified roles, ten years of classroom experience, ten years as a school administrator, and six years as a district administrator. Each role has shaped who I am as a leader and continues to fuel my passion for educational equity and excellence. 

My work has always centered on advocating for equitable, high-quality instruction, and fostering strong family and community partnerships. I believe these are the foundations of a thriving school. As a school and district leader, I have remained grounded in the belief that leadership is about service, capacity-building, and creating systems where both adults and students can thrive.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver, a Master’s in Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Denver.

As an immigrant and multilingual learner myself, I understand the challenges our students in similar situations face. At the same time, I know they bring invaluable attributes such as resilience, perseverance, and perspectives that enrich our classrooms and strengthen our overall community.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

What is exciting about being a principal is truly knowing our students—their names, their strengths, their needs, as well as the stories they bring with them. Every student brings something unique and meaningful to our school, and together those stories shape our community. I also find so much joy and excitement in helping people grow. Whether it’s a student building confidence or a teacher refining their craft, watching that growth happen is incredibly rewarding. My own journey as a learner and educator guides the way I support and show up for my students and staff.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

Something that a mentor once told me and has stayed with me is that when you show up with your heart and authentically, you are truly leading. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or fitting a certain mold; it’s about knowing who you are, leading from your values, and caring deeply about the people you serve.

Showing up with heart means listening first and remembering that every decision affects real children and families. Showing up authentically means not leaving parts of yourself at the door- your language, your story, your culture, your lived experiences. When you lead from that place, people feel it, and meaningful change can happen.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Give yourself the same grace you give others. Leading isn’t about being perfect- it’s about listening, learning, and helping others grow alongside you. Stay grounded in your values, support your staff and students, and trust that showing up with heart every day makes the biggest impact.

☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...

…me spending time with my husband and our baby, my and only one still at home. Whenever there’s an opportunity to travel, I take it. Exploring different cultures, architecture, and nature fills my cup and keeps me open-minded and appreciative of the diverse experiences.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

CO-ALAS has been a meaningful part of my leadership journey because it has helped me find my voice alongside leaders who share similar lived experiences and challenges. Through CO-ALAS, I’ve built genuine connections, found life-long mentors, and I have been encouraged to grow in ways I might not have pursued on my own such as the Four Corners Leadership Academy. More than anything, CO-ALAS reminds me that I’m not leading alone.