|
Transforming Education as a First Gen Latina Teacher, Superintendent, and Commissioner: Meet GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winner for
K-12, Dr. Susana Cordóva
Dr. Susana Cordóva, Colorado's Commissioner of Education, is the first Latina to serve in the cabinet-level position. About one-third of Colorado’s 883,264 students are Latino and 46 percent are students of color. As Commissioner, she will interface with state board members, educators, students, and leaders from other state departments, such as higher education, workforce development, and early childhood education.
Cordóva, the child of Mexican-American parents and a first-generation college graduate was educated in Denver Public Schools and spent 31 years working in the district. She worked as a classroom teacher, principal, chief academic officer, and chief schools officer. She also served as the Deputy Superintendent of Leading and Learning in the Dallas Independent School District, prior to becoming Commissioner.
What is your personal story? How did you find your purpose and your passion?
I am the first in my family to graduate from college—a milestone that reflects not only my own determination but also the sacrifices and values instilled in me by my parents. My dad worked in a factory, and my mom was a school secretary. Although they went to school during segregation, which limited their opportunities despite their potential and work ethic, they always dreamed of a brighter future for my brother and me. Their belief in education as a path to success shaped my purpose.
Growing up, I realized the transformative power of teachers. They opened doors for me that I never knew existed. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in education, driven by the hope that I could open those same doors for students who, like me, may not have seen their full potential yet. Stories like Guillermina’s continue to fuel my passion. Guillermina was a student in my classroom 30 years ago. She was new to this country, learning English, and working hard to build a better life. Today, she’s an accountant with children of her own in school. Then there’s Peter, who graduated from Denver Public Schools (DPS) during my time as superintendent. With a full ride to Howard University, Peter went on to found a nonprofit in college and is now giving back to the community that supported him. Education truly changes lives, and these stories remind me why I do this work.
My journey to becoming Colorado’s Commissioner of Education has been marked by a series of opportunities to serve and lead at every level of K-12 education—as a teacher, school leader, and systems leader. Along the way, I’ve remained grounded in my values: hard work, paying it forward, and prioritizing the most vulnerable students in our schools. These values have guided every decision I’ve made.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized? Who was instrumental on your path to success?
I would not be where I am today without the mentors and colleagues who challenged and supported me. Equally important, my family—especially my parents and my husband—has always kept me focused on what matters most. They’ve reminded me that we are all here with a purpose: to use our gifts to make each day better than the last.
What does inclusive leadership mean to you and what would you like others to know and do as inclusive leaders?
To me, inclusive leadership is about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute. It’s not just about acknowledging diversity but ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to thrive. This means listening deeply, learning from others’ experiences, and challenging systems that perpetuate inequities.
As leaders, we must actively seek out voices that are often overlooked and ensure they have a seat at the table. Inclusive leadership also requires humility—understanding that we don’t have all the answers and that we grow stronger when we lead collaboratively. I hope others recognize that inclusive leadership isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a commitment to continuous improvement and equity.
How can the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network inform, advance and/or multiply your mission and goals?
The GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network has the power to multiply impact by connecting like-minded individuals and organizations committed to equity and inclusion. Through collaboration, shared learning, and strategic partnerships, we can amplify efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education and opportunities. This network provides a platform to advance collective goals and to scale innovations that support systemic change.
What legacy would you most like to leave the world?
Ultimately, the legacy I hope to leave is one of empowerment and possibility. I want to be remembered as someone who believed in the potential of every student and worked tirelessly to ensure they had the tools and opportunities to succeed. Whether through policy, mentorship, or direct action, I hope my work inspires others to carry forward the mission of education as a means to transform lives and communities.
Education is a powerful equalizer, and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that every child has access to it. My parents taught me that we each have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That’s the legacy I strive to build every day.
You can meet Dr. Susana Cordóva and the 14 other Honorees at the Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner on June 16th in Denver. Please read our newsletter each day as we continue to announce the 2025 Inclusive Leader Award Winners through January.
| 
