June 2026 - Ron Garcia y Ortiz

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT June 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 Ron Garcia y Ortiz, Executive Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement in the Cherry Creek School District. Ron shares his 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

With more than 30 years of service in Cherry Creek School District, Ron Garcia y Ortiz has dedicated his career to serving students, caregivers, and communities through a wide range of leadership roles. Beginning as a social studies teacher and athletic coach, he has served as a dean of students, athletic director, assistant principal, middle school principal, director, and now executive director of equity, culture, and community engagement. Across each role, he has remained deeply committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered environments and strengthening meaningful connections between schools and the communities they serve, with a focus on ensuring all students feel seen, supported, believed, and empowered to thrive.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that relationships, cultural nourishment, and high expectations are essential to creating equitable systems where every student can succeed. Grounded in the love and guidance of his family, he carries forward a legacy shaped by a mother who modeled activism, deep community care, and pride in the Brown community across the greater Denver area.

He often shares that he stands on the shoulders of giants, drawing daily strength from the wisdom, resilience, and spirit of his elders and ancestors who continue to guide his work and his purpose.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

What excites me most about my work is that equity isn’t something I do—it’s the air I breathe. It’s the lens through which I see the world and the purpose that fuels me each day. Having the opportunity to create pathways, open doors, and break down barriers for those most marginalized in our society is truly a gift I never take for granted.

I carry with me a deep sense of resilience and honor, knowing I am doing this work as my ancestors did—lifting others, creating possibility—and I see it as my responsibility to carry that baton forward for future generations.

I often think of my abuelo, who would remind me, “Find a job you love in this world, Mijo, and you will never work a day in your life.” In many ways, I’m living that truth—doing work that feeds my soul while honoring the legacy of those who came before me.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

In a time when division too often defines our world, the principle of In Lak’ech—Tú eres mi otro yo, you are another me—feels more important than ever. It reminds us that our humanity is shared, that the way we see and show up for one another is ultimately a reflection of ourselves.

For me, In Lak’ech is not just a concept—it is a way of being gifted to me through my maternal elders and ancestors, whose teachings continue to guide how I lead and live. Their wisdom calls me to extend grace, to honor the dignity in every person, and to recognize that our collective well-being is tied together. When I live into this belief, I am reminded that the work of equity and community is not about “helping others,” but about caring for one another as extensions of ourselves.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

In this moment, I would offer this to any superintendent or school leader: stay grounded in your purpose and keep students at the center of every decision. Lead with a deep, community-nourishing “why” that honors the lived experiences of those you serve, and—just as importantly—make sure the tongue in your shoes and the tongue in your mouth are facing the same direction.

When our values and actions align, trust grows. Have the courage to get out of the way and create the conditions for students, educators, and caregivers to bring their full funds of knowledge and cultural expertise forward. That is where true transformation happens—not through control, but through collective wisdom, humility, and a commitment to lifting every voice in service of our children.

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

If you catch me outside the office, you’ll probably find me enjoying the simple things—going for a long walk on the beach in Mexico, catching a good concert, dancing to any type of musica, or just hangin' with my people. I love spending time with my wife of 30 years and our three amazing kids, Máteo, Micháela, and Joaquín—they inspire me every day to be better and keep me grounded in what matters most. When I’m not with them, you might find me playing some sports or kicking back with a good self-help book, always trying to grow while staying rooted in purpose.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

Reinvesting in CO-ALAS has added so much value to my life by reconnecting me to purpose, community, and identity in a way that feels both grounding and energizing. Being in space with dope, dynamic Brown leaders who challenge, uplift, and inspire me pushes me to be better every single day.

There’s something powerful about sharing in community with others who carry a deep commitment to La Raza and to shaping for a better world. Walking this journey together brings light, reminds me that I’m not alone in this work, and fuels my belief that Sí Se Puede—that together, we can and will continue to create change and radical transformation in service to each other and those we serve. Abrazos!