November 2025 - Lucia Gonzales

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT November 2025

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 Lucia Gonzales, Director of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) in 27J Schools. Lucia shares their professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to their various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

Lucia began her professional journey as a chemist, but her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher was calling her toward a career with greater impact. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Adams State College and working as a scientist, she transitioned into teaching science and chemistry to students in grades 5–12 in 27J Schools. Demonstrating her early commitment to equity, she took a professional leave from teaching to join the renowned BUENO Center, working specifically with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) for two years. While teaching, she furthered her expertise by earning two Master's degrees: an M.A. of Education, Equity and Cultural Diversity from the University of Colorado and an M.A. of Education Administration from Purdue University.

In 2012, Lucia moved into district leadership as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), marking the beginning of a deep and ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students and families. As her role evolved, from TOSA to CLD Instructional Specialist and to her current role as Director, she built expertise in multilingual education, student and adult learning, curriculum design, equity leadership, and family-school-community partnerships. In 2024, Lucia became the Director of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) for 27J Schools. In this role, she leads districtwide systems that support the success of CLD students, staff, and families.

Across her career, Lucia has also contributed at the state and regional level, serving on numerous CDE committees and task forces—including work on the CLDE Guidebook, ML redesignation criteria, WIDA  assessment committees, and statewide equity initiatives. She represents 27J in organizations such as CO-NAME and the Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities (MLED) Task Force, and the Front Range Coordinators group.

Throughout every role, Lucia has remained committed to elevating the learning experiences of students whose cultural and linguistic backgrounds enrich their communities. Her career reflects a deep belief in equitable access, advocacy, and the transformative power of education.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

I thrive on the purpose embedded in our district mission: In partnership with our families and the community, 27J Schools empowers EVERY student today to take control of their future tomorrow. 

My greatest energy comes from the work of fulfilling the promise of “EVERY” - our commitment to ensuring that every student is seen, heard, and valued, and is given the equitable access, essential support, and unlimited opportunities to succeed.

I feel empowered in my position because 27J cultivates an environment that champions innovation, continuous learning, and improvement. This culture allows me to embrace risk-taking in service of students. This 'fail-forward' approach accelerates my development as a leader and our overall effectiveness in supporting students, staff and families.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

The best advice I ever received was to release myself from perfectionism. Striving for perfection can hinder progress, whereas letting go enables meaningful achievement. This advice allows me to approach my work using a continuous improvement cycle. Trying something, reflecting and learning from outcomes, and then refining my approach. In connection to this, I am guided by Maya Angelou’s words: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This philosophy reminds me to act, but continually adjust as I learn. This has fostered my personal growth and an avenue of lifelong learning.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Decide what matters most to you, and let that guide every decision you make. Early in my leadership career, a mentor asked me, “How will you know if you’re doing a good job?”  He encouraged me to create my own measure of success. I knew ultimately our work is for the students. So on a notecard I wrote down, “Did I make decisions that are best for students?” Whenever I can answer yes, I know I am on the right path. This simple question serves as an anchor for my leadership, bringing clarity and focus to every decision and conversation I get to be a part of.

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

... me hiking, completing 1000 piece puzzles, cheering for sports (Go Broncos!), reading,  and spending time with my family.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

Although I am newer to CO-ALAS, I have valued attending conferences and connecting with fellow leaders. Opportunities to collaborate with diverse leaders can be limited in many districts, so I appreciate learning from peers who bring varied perspectives and experiences. These interactions provide insights, expand my strategies, and provide a network that strengthens my work, me personally, and the impact I can have in my district.