Danielle Aleman

Director of Advancement, St. Anne Catholic School
Houston, TX

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
In a time when traditional educational norms and delivery are being challenged, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Catholic schools to creatively approach their value proposition. Joining LEAD affords me the opportunity to collaborate and engage in best practices in all facets of school administration, all for the benefit of advancing the mission and strengthening the diversity of Catholic schools.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
My family appeared in a web series called, "Comida Caliente", that my sister produced. Each episode reveals family recipes, and of course, "chisme", cooked by my mom and sisters!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
Transformational Catholic school leaders are mission-driven innovators, who are intrinsically motivated by faith and a commitment to keeping a Catholic education affordable to many and accessible to all.

Aranzazu Ascunce

Teacher, Bishop O'Connell High School
Arlington, VA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to be part of a team of fellow Latinos that is passionate about leadership in Catholic education. It is an honor to be a part of this first cohort of the LEAD program. I am excited to set goals together, be accountable to one another, support each other and grow in unison. I am excited to implement the training I receive in my role as a teacher and as a member of the faculty at my high school. Finally, I am excited about making new friends and colleagues in Catholic schools from around the country.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I am named after Our Lady of Arantzazu. In 1468 a shepherd heard a bell in the distance. Expecting to find an animal, he found an image of Mary near a bell in a thorn bush. He cried out, "Arantzan zu?!" (You, among the thorns?!). Mary is often referred to as Our Lady of the Thorns in this part of Spain.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
Innovates, communicates and generates. This type of leader crowdsources knowledge and expertise from faculty and staff. This leader steps outside of his/her comfort zone and lives in the field of possibilities. This leader is not afraid to do things differently. This leader is proactive, not reactive. This type of leader is a visionary. A transformational leader sees Christ in all people and in all things.

Sanjuanita Cisneroz

Assistant Principal, St. Anne Catholic School
Houston, TX

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I’m excited to join LEAD because I want to grow as a leader. I learn a lot from others, and I enjoy discussions regarding ideas and tools to help our students succeed.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I worked in public schools for 10 years, before transitioning to private schools.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader focuses on the whole child by empowering teachers and parents. They create systems to make it easier for all stakeholders to support our children. Transformational leaders take risks, but they are tactful about it. Every choice they make is done with the best interest of the student in mind.

Jasmine Gonzalez

Vice Principal and Marketing Director, St. Theresa Catholic School
Little Rock, AR

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I'm excited about the opportunity with LEAD. Especially in the midst of a pandemic, it is important to collaborate with other leaders to learn from one another. I'm eager to learn about each other's challenges and achievements. I hope to become a better leader after this program, to better educate and assist my community in the future.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I'm currently writing a book on school marketing called "The Ultimate School Marketing Blueprint: The power of authenticity and storytelling to better market your school." I hope to finish the book my December!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader will need to be one that is flexible, open minded, and open to change. The same methods and strategies used years ago may not work in today's society. A transformational leader is also one who reflects on a personal and professional level. They reflect to see what worked and didn't work, and adapt accordingly.

Joe Gonzalez

Physics Teacher, Bishop O'Connell High School
Arlington, VA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to participate and learn with other professionals on how to empower the Latino student. I have had the opportunity to work with great leadership teams, although they have not been diverse. As I continue my career into administration, I would like to have the tools to help and reach all students and directly with Latino students.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I enjoy riding my motorcycle and finding a new place to eat along the way.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader in today’s Catholic schools is someone that is a servant leader and shares their Catholic faith with the community. Their priority is the school as a whole but most importantly, the students. Getting to know the students by name and participating in all aspects of school activities. That leader will not only lead by example, but welcome others to take the role of leadership when situations arise. Lastly, they give direction and listen to all ideas to make the best decision possible for each circumstance.

Pilar Gonzalez

5th Grade Teacher, Loretto Academy
El Paso, TX

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
Communication and knowledge are the best tools to understand and correct any issues that may arise around us. If we are to sustain and keep the Catholic education today (more than ever), we need to be able to adjust and even perhaps renovate some visions and missions. I am very excited to learn more and therefore be able to have better communication with my administration with regard to becoming a better school, offering more than just a better education.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
My family here is my husband and my two daughters. We love to read and talk about space. I used to coach robotics teams in my school. I have two chickens, four birds, a dog, and a snake!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
Transformational leaders that we not only need today, but since yesterday, should be able to understand that changes are here to stay and continue evolving. Such changes mean so many things that it would be close to impossible to state in a single paragraph. But there are some that we could use as an overarch to encompass the rest. A transformational leader should understand the necessities of their institution and should be able to adapt systems that lead the whole body towards success. Real change is not only taking what you liked from your previous experiences without considering the latest research or real-world implications. They must have an open mind and enough empathy to listen to their employees for feedback, as well as their stakeholders in equal measure. They must understand that complacency is not a facet of a transformative leader and stepping out of their comfort zone, making changes that may not seem immediately undemanding may, in the long run, be the best for their organization.

Adriana Gutierrez

Communications Coordinator, St. Laurence Catholic School
Sugar Land, TX

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I'm excited about learning more about our Catholic schools and meeting other Catholic Latino educators and leaders! I'm very happy and thankful! Thank you, University of Notre Dame and NCEA! I look forward to learning more about your programs and support you in any way I can!

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I love to travel and learn more about different places cultures!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
I believe a transformational leader in today's Catholic schools needs to be dynamic, innovative, open-minded, and willing to take risks and make changes to meet the evolving spiritual and academic needs of our students, families, society, and church. It needs to be a faithful leader with a passion for his/her ministry and spirit of service. This transformational leader needs to be determined, persistent, and enthusiastic. You need those qualities to accomplish your goals. A transformational leader inspires and produces more exceptional leaders, who are eager to transform the world and continue the mission of the church and our Catholic schools while keeping God in the center of all things.

Liza Harvey

Teacher, Loretto Academy
El Paso, TX

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to join LEAD because I would love to be in a leadership at my school or in a catholic school in my area.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I am fully bilingual.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
I believe a transformational leader today must be highly informed in what is going on in our world today. You have to be a leader who can show your Catholic beliefs to everyone but in a way that does not impose. I say not impose because I find that today's youth has such a high opinion of things on teñir own that when you try to contradict they close off themself and will not listen. It is best not only to speak your beliefs but also to show them ways they can implement them in their lives.

Cristina Medina

English Teacher, Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School
North Las Vegas, NV

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to join LEAD to learn about ways to empower my own voice and the voices of my students for years to come. I have recently been looking for opportunities to grow as a leader within my school community, as well as the network of Catholic schools as a whole. I am hoping to gain insight and access to tools that will foster my own leadership and allow me to foster the leadership of others. Reflection and growth are two key components of leadership, and having the opportunity to explore these areas with like-minded individuals is something that I am really looking forward to.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I lived and taught in Santiago de Chile for 18 months through ND's ChACE Program.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
I think that a transformational leader is a person that leads by example. The goal of a transformational leader is not to be the strongest voice in the room, but rather transform their community into an entire group of transformational leaders. They are not only concerned with their own leadership, but also work to foster the voices of others by affirming their talents and strengths, and developing areas that they desire to grow. I think that they are individuals that value honesty, feedback, and reflection, and are constantly striving to learn. At times, transformational leadership requires a certain amount of vulnerability and bravery to see these transformations take place. They listen intentionally, thoughtfully lead, and fiercely love what they do.

Patricia Moncada

Social Studies Teacher, Arrupe Jesuit High School
Denver, CO

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to continue the discernment process and to collaborate with other teachers of similar backgrounds and experiences.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
My husband and I enjoy exploring old churches in Europe looking for relics and at architecture and art.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader in today's Catholic schools looks like Christ in disguise. That means that the person takes to heart the actions of Christ to transform any place into the Kingdom of God. Jesus built relationships with everyone, regardless of who they were, or where they were along the journey. A transformational leader is aware of the experiences and needs of the people he or she serves and strives to engage in genuine encounter with others wherever they may be. This requires courage, and humility which hinge upon love. In a school, a leader takes time to get to know students, families, teachers, administrators and beyond to build a community where everyone feels loved and acknowledged.

Vanessa Rivas

Principal, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School
Paramount, CA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to learn and collaborate with others.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I enjoy dancing.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader has put time and energy into creating a positive school culture that meets the needs of the community. The leader knows the families they serve and is able to make school-wide decisions that will improve the academic achievements and empowers the community to get better.

Erika Sanneman

Spanish Teacher, Bishop McNamara High School
Forestville, MD

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to learn. I hope this can also help me grow as an educator. I want to connect with other Latinx people, especially in my field and with similar interests to me and am thrilled for the connections and networking that we will be able to do. I want to learn how to best represent my community and serve them in the Catholic educational system today. I am concerned with the social justice issues our country and the Church have been struggling with, and hope to be able to have heartfelt, informed conversations about these difficult times, and hard situations that we as a country and Church are in and have been in regarding accountability, forgiveness and reconciliations for past wrongs, racial issues and discrimination within the systems of the Church and the country, equality within both communities, treatment of dignity, and the importance of recognizing the experiential truth of people and honoring it, true understanding, compassion, love, welcome and safety for all, but most especially for those that are in socioeconomic, racial, gender, sexual, physical, psychological/mental or religious minorities within our communities, that those in minorities are met where they are at, with respect and love and compassion and that we do not assume we know or know better then them about their lives/needs/wants/intentions, we do not.

Mostly, I am hoping to find a community of spiritually focused, intellectual people that care about personal and communal growth towards a more just and more inclusive world. I especially am interested in having these conversations within the Latinx Catholic educator community, as we have demographic growth in this country, and we span so many different interactions of identity, we should be leading the charge as members of a Church built on universal welcome and love towards making our own teaching, schools and Catholic system of operation, which is vast, one that prioritizes these issues of social justice instead of only choosing some areas to focus on and ignoring others that are more complicated.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
We adopted two puppies, littermates, Willow and Zami and they are almost 3 months old!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A leader cares most about how to bring care and justice to all through their work, focusing especially on the marginalised/excluded from/targeted by systems of power. They are careful to listen and seek information, aware of the stock stories, and focusing more on the hidden stories, counter stories, and the stories of resistance to form a fuller picture within which to make decisions. They do not just take orders and execute them without careful consideration, nor do they simply do what has always been done. They carefully examine the end goal, the current starting point, and the path/means that has been used to get to the goal. They critically consider the means and the ends and attempt different approaches yielding positive results, less negative results or just different ones. They are constantly learning and staying as present and understanding of those whom they are working with as possible. Such a person carefully listens and considers all of the ideas and issues, especially those that have not been previously heard or addressed and with a lens towards improving the general ark of humanity for what unforeseen problems are being reinforced or created by the decisions and actions of the group, so they can be evaluated and amended. They focus on transparency, understanding, and true community over dictation. This is an ever changing and constant endeavor, examine carefully, get different opinions from diverse perspectives, make a decision, evaluate the decision, put it into action, reevaluate, begin the process again.

Adarely Trejo

Teacher, Christ the King Catholic School
Dallas, TX

Viri Vargas

Vice Principal / Teacher, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School
Paramount, CA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am looking forward to collaborating with other educators and learning from the different ways Catholic schools are constantly enhancing the learning experience for students.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
My parents named me after a Cannes Film Festival movie winner from the 60s.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader is someone who looks for innovative ways to improve education, creates a community of collaborators among educators, and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Ruth Villaneda

3rd Grade Teacher / STEP Coordinator, St. Gertrude the Great Catholic School
Bell Gardens, CA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to join LEAD because I want to gain perspective about leadership roles in Catholic education. I want to learn more about my current skills and explore ways to develop new traits. I am eager to meet educators and mentors and learn from their experiences. The input I receive from my mentors will help me determine if I have the potential to serve as an administrator in Catholic schools.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
My kids have taught me the value of developing positive relationships with students, staff, and parents. I love cats, Target, and baseball!

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational school leader brings people together for a common goal/purpose. An effective leader can identify strengths and/or potential in others. A transformational school leader wants to help cultivate the skills of students, parents, and staff to help them succeed. Catholic schools need leaders who can be compassionate during a difficult conversation, while trying to promote change, or pushing forward through adversity. A transformational leader sees opportunity for growth in all situations. A flexible mindset and the ability to adapt are necessary traits for today's leaders. Catholic school leaders pray, reflect, and ask God for guidance.

Amalia Walle

Principal, St. Patrick Catholic School
Pasco, WA

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I cannot explain in words! When I saw this program announced back in December, I knew this would be a way for me to serve using my heart. All of my life I've seen how being Hispanic makes a difference (positive and negative) and I've studied this for years in my educational career. I've also been a lifelong parishioner at my current school & have seen the divide in both communities first-hand so I want to be an agent of change in that area. This is such an amazing opportunity to see how things are going in the rest of the country and for me to feel like I have support in my feelings of wanting unity and love for our community.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I'm a fitness enthusiast.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader today is many things at once. This leader has to be open to changes, full of empathy, strong and ready to help at all times. A leader today needs to see past the challenges and look for opportunities to be better. He or she has to have a firm belief that all things are possible through God and that all children have their own gifts and talents to offer the world. This person must look past race and gender to see the good and motivate others to do the same.

Jeanette Weivoda

Principal, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
Glendale, AZ

Why are you excited to be joining LEAD?
I am excited to be among of community of leaders and learners. I believe the LEAD model will give me support, education, and strength as an instructional leader in the Catholic school system.

What is one interesting, fun, or unique fact that you would like others to know about you?
I like cycling, gardening, and travel.

What do you think a transformational leader looks like in today's Catholic schools?
A transformational leader in today's Catholic school has an eye on the systematic and effective teaching methods of today's research, as well as heart for the Sacred Mysteries of the Universal Faith. The full formation of the students' mind and heart, creating the next generation's Catholic citizens for the U.S. and Heaven. That is the full definition of a transformational leader.

Israel "Buddy" Martinez
Principal, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School | McAllen, Texas

Israel “Buddy” Martinez Jr. is proud to be the principal of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in McAllen, Texas. In 2000, Buddy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Baylor University. He would go on to complete his master’s degree in Educational Leadership in August 2012 from The University of Texas Pan American, and is expected to complete his Ed. D. in Educational Leadership in May of 2021.

Buddy has been in education for 18 years and will be starting his 2nd year as principal of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. Over the past 18 years, he has worked as a coach, teacher, senior-level leader, and administrator in both the traditional and charter school system, but he considers his greatest role to be an advocate for children. Buddy’s desire to do Christ’s work is what led him to being a principal of a Catholic school. Buddy believes that being the leader of a Catholic school is a vocation and a calling. His passion for leading adults and children is what drives him daily - most significantly, his vocation and dedication to being a servant leader, and a teacher and mentor to our youth through spiritual awareness, guidance, education, and discipline.

Buddy has been married to his wife, Lucy Martinez, D.D.S. for 12 years, and has four children, Benjamin Martinez (graduate of St. Mary’s University in SA and now graduate student at the University of the Incarnate Word), Jenna Martinez (Freshman at Texas State University in San Marcos, Class of 2024), Buddy James is a 6th grader at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, and Madison is a 3rd grader at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School.

Learn more about Buddy Martinez in this LEAD Mentor Spotlight.

Anna-Marie Silva
Associate Superintendent | Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Anna-Marie is a product of K-12 + Catholic education. She recently completed her fifth year as a principal at the Catholic elementary school she attended as a child. Because Anna-Marie was educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, she lives the mission of Transforming the World through Education. It is for this reason she decided to serve at Santa Isabel School, a Los Angeles inner-city elementary school dedicated to educating the high poverty, heavily Latino population. Despite the challenges, her school community collaboratively built relationships that helped accomplish five consecutive years of increased enrollment, technology 1:1 integration, facilities expansion, and a strategic plan created to ensure sustainability and continued growth. These relationships involved the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Loyola Marymount University, University of Notre Dame's Catholic School Advantage Campaign, numerous foundations, a research-based Professional Learning Community, and their best marketers-the parents.

Anna-Marie is looking forward to using all of her learning experiences combined with her Loyola Marymount University education: consisting of a Masters in Education, Masters in Catholic School Administration, and Doctoral Candidacy in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. She hopes to use all she has learned as she continues to serve Catholic education in her new leadership role as a regional supervisor for the Los Angeles Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools.

Toni Vaeth
Associate Superintendent | Archdiocese of Denver

Toni Vaeth grew up in a family of ten children and was only the second in her extended family of hundreds to go on to college, attending with a full-ride scholarship. She was always interested in teaching, but instead chose to first pursue a career in business. With an MBA and CPA, Toni worked in accounting, marketing, auditing, and technology management for Deloitte-Touche, Johns-Manville and The Kroger Company over a span of 15 years. She then felt called to education and pursued a Master’s in Education and started teaching in her children’s Catholic school.

After eight years as a 5th grade teacher and participating in an archdiocesan principal formation class, she was asked to be the principal at St. Therese Catholic School in Aurora, CO. After five years at St. Therese, Toni was named Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Denver. Toni and her husband have two children - a daughter who is currently attending St. Louis University and a son who will begin as a freshman at Creighton University this fall.