Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT March 2024
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 Nathan Cabrera, Assistant Director of Family and Community Partnerships, Jefferson County Public Schools. Nathan 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
Nathan Cabrera has been in education for over 15 years, serving as teacher, coach, assistant principal and now as an assistant director supporting the newly formed family response service team (FRST) in Jefferson County Public Schools. As an educator Nathan has worked on carrying out his own personal mission of impacting students by leading school success through meeting students’ needs by way of systems and systems thinking,and nurturing a cycle of continuous improvement to help staff and students learn. Believing that education is an equalizer and pathway towards social mobility and accessibility, Nathan continued his own education, getting degrees in Psychology and Spanish at Washington State University and his teaching license in secondary sciences at the University of Colorado in Boulder. His masters degree is in educational leadership at Regis University where he also took courses to become highly qualified in Culturally Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) pedagogical practices.
What is exciting about my job? Serving a new role this year on a newly developed team has continued to push and increase my understanding of different district resources and systems while highlighting the strengths and needs of the Jeffco community. Being a part of the family and community partnership division has also allowed me to think about and reinforce how our district lives its core values: student focused, excellence, integrity, belonging, and equity. Our team supports the district’s interactions with the families, schools, and students. On any given day I get to work and collaborate with a variety of departments and schools and create positive experiences for families. Being able to give families an opportunity for an added pathway to engage with the district has increased accessibility and increased community and family voice. The results are very meaningful to me. Words from a consejero/a: “Fortitudine Vincimus ( By Endurance We Conquer)” I first read this phrase in the book Endurance by Alfred Lansing.
I believe this quotation holds wisdom on both my personal life and leadership journey. Going for that next opportunity, daring something new, applying a new learning, and making mistakes is a part of all our experiences. It is through the continued action and momentum forward that we achieve. Advice you would give a new superintendent or school leader: My advice that I would give a new superintendent or school leader is that change doesn’t necessarily come quickly but it comes from individuals that represent and lead through values of equity, clarity, and adaptability. Know that they represent the possibility to others, while at the same time have the support of their hermanos y hermanas whether they feel it or not.
If you catch me outside the office, you’ll find . . .
I spend time with my family, whether that’s cheering on my son on the soccer field as he plays year round, supporting my daughter as she works toward her 2nd degree black belt, or playing a round of cards with my wife as we try out a local pub or pizza spot. I’ve also enjoyed tinkering around on the piano and guitar, trying to learn some new/old songs that I’ve heard on Spotify. Lastly, as the saying goes, “once a runner, always a runner.” You might find me on some trail or road trying to get in at least a 5k.
How does CO-ALAS add value?
CO-ALAS has added much value to my life in both a professional and personal way. Being able to build my network of professionals in education while also helping me strengthen and explore my Latino identity has been very satisfying. Participating in CO-ALAS conferences, 4 Corners Latinx Leadership Academy, and career fairs has also increased my professional development and cultivated my leadership vision while broadening my mind to the possibilities and opportunities that are available to leaders of color.