ACSA Region 16

Dr. Piedad Sanchez | 2026 ACSA Region 16 President’s Welcome Message

ACSA Region 16 President Dr. Piedad Sanchez opens the 2026 Administrators of the Year celebration with a powerful message centered on this year’s theme: Leading for Impact.

In her remarks, Dr. Sanchez reminds us that leadership is not defined by position, but by the difference we make every day for students, staff, families, and communities. She honors the extraordinary leaders being recognized throughout the evening—visionaries, problem-solvers, and changemakers who lead with courage, compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Her message calls educational leaders to recommit themselves to equity, collaboration, and student-centered leadership, while celebrating the lasting impact that strong leadership creates in schools and communities across Region 16.

🌟 ACSA Region 16 President
📚 Principal, Northridge Middle School
💙 Champion for Equity, Leadership & Student Success
✨ Leading for Impact Across Region 16
✨ Watch as Dr. Piedad Sanchez welcomes the Region 16 community and celebrates the leaders who continue to shape the future of public education through service and impact.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“Leadership is not defined by a title, but by the difference we make every single day—for students, for staff, for families, and for one another.” – Dr. Piedad Sanchez

Carrie Schwartz, retired Assistant Principal and longtime ACSA Region 16 leader, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Retired Co-Administrator Honoree. With 37 years of full-time service in LA Unified, plus five years of interim leadership, Carrie has dedicated more than four decades to supporting students, educators, and school communities through leadership, advocacy, and service.

An active ACSA member leader for 16 years, Carrie has proudly represented Region 16 in multiple leadership roles, including Co-Administrator Representative and Council of Retired Leaders Representative. Her service has extended beyond the district through participation on the National Task Force for Social Security and the ACSA-R Region 16 Retirement Board.

Throughout her journey, Carrie has embraced ACSA as a space for professional growth, leadership development, advocacy, collaboration, and lifelong friendships. Her legacy reflects a commitment to continuous learning, uplifting colleagues, and staying deeply connected to the educational community long after retirement.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Retired Co-Administrator Honoree� 📚 Retired Assistant Principal & ACSA Leader� 💙 Advocate for Leadership Growth, Service & Educational Community� ✨ Continuing to Lead Through Connection & Lifelong Learning
✨ Watch as Carrie Schwartz reflects on her remarkable leadership journey and the relationships, mentorship, and service that continue to shape her impact.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“My involvement in ACSA has been a method to grow as an educator, extending my knowledge, leadership, and lifelong friendships.” – Carrie Schwartz

Mario Chacon, Complex Project Manager, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Complex Project Manager Honoree. With 25 years of dedicated service in LA Unified and two years as an ACSA leader, Mario is celebrated for his compassionate leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to supporting school communities.

Through his work alongside the M&O South teams and regional partners, Mario has helped provide high-quality operational services that directly support students, staff, and stakeholders across Regions East and South. Known for leading with kindness, humility, and purpose, he believes true impact is measured not only by accomplishments—but by the way we uplift and inspire others.

In this heartfelt reflection, Mario expresses gratitude to his colleagues, leadership teams, family, and faith for helping shape his journey and reinforcing his commitment to service-centered leadership.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Complex Project Manager Honoree� 📚 25 Years of Service in LA Unified� 💙 Champion for Service, Integrity & Collaborative Leadership� ✨ Leading with Compassion, Purpose & Lasting Impact
✨ Watch as Mario Chacon shares his inspiring perspective on leadership, legacy, and the power of making a positive difference in the lives of others.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“Impact isn’t just about what we accomplish, but about how we make others feel and the legacy of goodness we leave behind.” – Mario Chacon

Isaias Martinez, Field Director in the Office of Staff Relations, is the recipient of the 2026 ACSA Region 16 Confidential Employee Award. With 34 years of dedicated service in education and seven years as an ACSA member, Isaias is recognized for his collaborative leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to supporting school leaders across LA Unified.

Working closely with the Office of Staff Relations, Office of General Counsel, and Region South leadership teams, Isaias has dedicated his career to strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring schools are supported with effective, student-centered systems. He believes that educational leadership, much like teaching itself, requires patience, coaching, reflection, and a relentless commitment to improvement.
In this heartfelt reflection, Isaias honors the many colleagues and teams whose partnership and shared commitment continue to strengthen schools and improve outcomes for students.

🏆 2026 ACSA Region 16 Confidential Employee Award Honoree�
📚 Field Director, Office of Staff Relations�
💙 Champion for Leadership Development & Collaborative Support�
✨ Building Capacity Through Service, Coaching & Partnership
✨ Watch as Isaias Martinez shares his perspective on leadership, educator growth, and the importance of supporting those who serve students every day.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“My role is to build the capacity of the administrators I support.” – Isaias Martinez

Lisa Petra Hernandez, Assistant Principal at Fairfax High School, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Secondary Co-Administrator Honoree. With 27 years of dedicated service in education and seven years as an ACSA member, Lisa is celebrated for her compassionate leadership, commitment to equity, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Grounded in service and deeply rooted in community, Lisa leads with the belief that impact is personal—measured by the extent to which students, families, and staff feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Through her work at Fairfax High School and across LAUSD, she has dedicated herself to building spaces where every learner belongs and every voice matters.

In this heartfelt reflection, Lisa honors her family, mentors, colleagues, and school community for shaping her leadership journey and reinforcing her commitment to uplifting others with purpose and care.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Secondary Co-Administrator Honoree� 🏫 Assistant Principal, Fairfax High School� 💙 Champion for Student Belonging, Equity & Transformational Leadership� ✨ Leading Through Service, Influence & Empowerment
✨ Watch as Lisa Petra Hernandez shares an inspiring message about leadership, human connection, and creating schools where every student can thrive.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“Impact is evident when a student who once felt unseen finds a sense of belonging.” – Lisa Petra Hernandez

Dr. Imelda Nava-Landeros of UCLA is the 2026 ACSA Region 16 Professor of Education Honoree. A proud LAUSD alumna from Bell High School, Dr. Nava-Landeros has dedicated more than two decades to preparing and empowering the next generation of educators—especially in STEM education and culturally relevant teaching practices.

As a first-generation Latina educator and science teacher, Dr. Nava-Landeros understands firsthand the transformative power of education. Her work at UCLA’s Teacher Education Program has focused on serving Title I schools, supporting over 300 teachers, and expanding equitable access to STEM and computer science education for historically underserved students and communities.

In this moving reflection, Dr. Nava-Landeros shares her belief that educational impact is deeply personal, communal, and generational. She honors the LAUSD educators, UCLA colleagues, former students, family, and communities that shaped her journey and continue to inspire her work.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Professor of Education Honoree
🎓 UCLA School of Education & Information Studies
💙 Champion for STEM Equity, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy & Teacher Development
✨ Empowering Communities Through Education & Collective Impact
✨ Watch as Dr. Imelda Nava-Landeros reflects on the lasting power of education to transform lives, communities, and futures.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“The impact of education is personal, it is communal, it changes lives, communities, and futures.” – Dr. Imelda Nava-Landeros

Dr. Iadrana Williams, Early Childhood Education Principal, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Early Childhood Education Principal Honoree. With an extraordinary 43 years of service in education and four years as an ACSA member, Dr. Williams has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners, empowering families, and creating joyful environments where children thrive.

Grounded in compassion, collaboration, and culturally responsive teaching, Dr. Williams believes every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and inspired to learn. Her leadership centers on building trust-based relationships with students, staff, and families while cultivating learning spaces where curiosity, discovery, and growth flourish every day.

In this heartfelt reflection, Dr. Williams honors the family, colleagues, friends, and school community members who have supported her journey and helped create the “village” that continues to uplift children and educators alike.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Early Childhood Education Principal Honoree� 📚 43 Years of Service in Education� 💙 Champion for Early Learning, Family Connection & Student Growth� ✨ Leading with Joy, Purpose & Heart
✨ Watch as Dr. Iadrana Williams shares her inspiring message about nurturing children, honoring families, and creating a lifelong love of learning.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“My passion for nurturing, connecting, and valuing each student is the legacy I aspire to leave as a leader.” – Dr. Iadrana Williams

Alma Alvarez Salazar, Principal of Sutter Middle School, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Middle School Administrator Honoree. A proud product of LA Unified, Alma’s journey—from Hoover Street Elementary to leading one of the district’s schools—reflects the transformative power of public education, perseverance, and service.

With 21 years of dedicated service in LA Unified and a decade as an ACSA member leader, Alma is celebrated for cultivating school communities rooted in collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement. Her leadership centers on building systems and empowering people so that students, families, and educators alike feel connected, valued, and inspired to grow.

In this heartfelt reflection, Alma honors her director, Dr. Luna, her school team, colleagues, and family for helping shape her leadership journey and reinforcing her belief that impact is always collective.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Middle School Administrator Honoree
🏫 Principal, Sutter Middle School
📚 Proud LAUSD Alumna & Educational Leader
💙 Champion for Student Potential, Collective Leadership & School Culture
✨ Watch as Alma Alvarez Salazar shares her inspiring message about leadership, possibility, and creating schools where every student can thrive.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech:
“The legacy I hope to leave is one of possibility.” – Alma Alvarez Salazar

Dora Pimentel-Baxter, Regional Director for the Division of Adult & Career Education, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Adult Education Administrator Honoree. With 38 years of dedicated service in LA Unified and more than two decades as an ACSA member leader, Dora has devoted her career to empowering students of all ages through education, opportunity, and service.

Beginning her journey as an elementary school teacher in 1988, Dora has served as an ESL teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now a regional leader in adult education. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that education has the power to transform lives, open doors, and create brighter futures—regardless of age or circumstance.

In this moving reflection, Dora honors the mentors, colleagues, students, and loved ones who shaped her journey, while celebrating the resilience and courage of adult learners who continue to pursue their dreams despite life’s challenges.

🌟 2026 ACSA Region 16 Adult Education Administrator Honoree
📚 Regional Director, Division of Adult & Career Education
💙 Champion for Lifelong Learning, Empowerment & Service
✨ Leading Through Connection, Purpose & Opportunity
✨ Watch as Dora Pimentel-Baxter reflects on leadership, second chances, and the lasting impact of education across generations.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“Education has no age limits and can change the trajectory of a student’s life and the lives of their families.” – Dora Pimentel-Baxter

Cindy Duong, Principal of Grover Cleveland Charter High School, is recognized as a 2026 ACSA Region 16 Secondary Principal Honoree. With 28 years of dedicated service in LA Unified and 12 years as an ACSA member leader, Cindy is celebrated for creating a school culture grounded in belonging, student voice, and collective empowerment.

As a first-generation immigrant, Cindy’s leadership journey has been shaped by resilience, service, and the belief that education creates opportunity—not only for individuals, but for entire communities. Under her leadership, Grover Cleveland Charter High School, affectionately known as , has become a place where students from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, challenged, and inspired to thrive.

In this heartfelt reflection, Cindy honors her family, colleagues, students, and school community, sharing her vision of leadership as a collaborative effort rooted in care, advocacy, and meaningful change.

🏫 Principal, Grover Cleveland Charter High School
📅 28 Years of Service in LA Unified
🌟 ACSA Member Leader for 12 Years
💙 Champion for Student Voice, Equity & Inclusive School Communities
✨ Watch as Cindy Duong shares an inspiring message about leadership, belonging, and creating spaces where every student has the power to lead and make an impact.



🗣️ Quoted Excerpt from Speech
“It is not about just giving students voice; it is about amplifying it.” – Cindy Duong