Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT October 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 Adella Arredondo, Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement at Denver Public Schools Adella shares her professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to her various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!
Career Highlights & Education
Adella is a bilingual, bicultural, first-generation Mexican American. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Adella prides herself in representing the most vulnerable and marginalized students and families served in Denver Public Schools (DPS). Her life experiences have shown her the far-reaching impact community services and education can have on lifelong success. She is a proud DPS alumni from North High School and went on to complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado Denver. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado Denver.
Before returning to DPS, Adella led the implementation of the State of Colorado’s Home Visiting programs across all counties. Her experience in comprehensive educational programming and systems spans over 15 years.
Adella began her career in Head Start Family Services and quickly fell in love with being in a role that supports the well-being and lifelong success of children, families, and communities. She strives to create equitable opportunities for families and communities to work together to ensure student success. Her passion for serving others stems from services and programs she and her family had access to during her formative years. With extensive leadership experience, Adella has led efforts to convene diverse stakeholders and direct family and community engagement work across large, complex systems, including community-based, state, and local government agencies.
What is exciting about my job?
What excites me most about my job is the opportunity to serve our families. I know that when we support and collaborate with them, we’re shaping students’ academic success and their futures. I love every chance to be innovative, build partnerships, and work together to have a greater impact!
Words from a consejero/a
My ama used to tell me, “invierte tu tiempo y dinero en algo que nadie te puede robar, tu educacion, eso es para siempre”.
Advice you would give a new superintendent or school leader?
Focus on building strong, loving partnerships with your families, and everything else will naturally fall into place. Family engagement is the cornerstone of educational success—never forget that families are their children's first and most important teachers. Embrace them as partners, and together, you'll achieve great things!
If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...
On the soccer field, cheering as my boys score goals, or spending quality time with my family—those are my favorite moments. But it's always a good time for a movie with palomitas, salsa Valentina, and a Coke!
How does CO-ALAS add value?
CO-ALAS fosters a space for leaders who reflect my identity and uplift Latiné leadership. Through this community, I’ve expanded my network and strengthened my skills, which directly enhances my ability to serve the students and families in Denver Public Schools. CO-ALAS consistently provides inspiration and hope, reminding me que"sí se puede." This aligns with my commitment to creating equitable opportunities and supporting the voices of our Latiné communities, ensuring that our leadership reflects the diverse students we serve.