October 2026 - Araceli Ruiz O'Clair
Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT October 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 Araceli Ruiz O'Clair, Director of Schools for Network 4 in Denver Public Schools. Araceli 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
With over two decades of leadership in Denver Public Schools, my career has spanned roles including Director of Schools, Principal of Academia Ana Marie Sandoval de Lenguaje Dual Montessori, and a bilingual teacher. I hold a Master of Arts in Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Ritchie Program for School Leaders certificate from the University of Denver.
Through diverse experiences in education, I discovered that my true passion lies in developing leaders along their journey. I hold an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Executive Coaching certification that has allowed me to deepen this empowering, catalytic work.
✨ What is exciting about my job?
Every single day brings a new opportunity to make a tangible impact. As a Director of Schools overseeing a network of ECE through 6th-grade schools in Denver Public Schools, what truly excites me is partnering with school leadership teams to drive quality instruction, mentor principals, and build cohesive systems where multilingual and dual-language learners can truly thrive. Whether we are aligning Unified Improvement Plans to district benchmarks or coaching educational leaders to uncover their unique strengths, knowing that our work opens doors for the next generation makes every challenge worthwhile.
🧠 Words from a consejero/a
A wise mentor reminded me to bring ideas to my team as "half-baked pies," which taught me the importance of entering spaces open to truly listening and considering others' perspectives. Grounded in this openness, I strive to lead with authenticity, honor the roots that ground me, and trust my inner compass to build genuine bridges of understanding with every child, family, and educator we serve.
💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?
Slow down. Listen to your internal chatter. Is the chatter helping you ground in equity and deep community connection? Take the time to genuinely see and celebrate the unique talents of the individuals around you. Most importantly, protect your spirit and sustain your work by leaning closely on a trusted network of peers who will walk beside you through both the high points and the hardest moments.
☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...
You will find me immersed in a new book, collecting fresh insights and ideas from many disciplines (I love to learn!), or sharing laughter, great food, and quiet moments with my family and community.
🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?
CO-ALAS creates an invaluable space that brings together amazing leaders who are deeply passionate about making a difference for our children. We are kindred spirits who are always ready to lift each other up. Because of this community, I always walk away with deeper, more genuine relationships that sustain and strengthen my leadership
