About NVALAS

The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [NVALAS] is committed to providing a perspective to all aspiring school and district administrators including superintendents through programs, services, advocacy, and networks rooted in Latino experiences and culture.  

ALAS has nearly 8,000 members across 18 state affiliates with several more states soon to be a part of the ALAS Familia. Our Vision, Mission, and Goals are to provide leadership at the national level that assures every school in America effectively serves the educational needs of all students with an emphasis on Latino youth through continuous professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking to share practices of promise for our students and the communities where we serve.

By the year 2026, Latino children will make up 30 percent of the school-age population. In the nation’s largest states – California, Texas, Florida, and New York all of whom are ALAS State Affiliates– Latinos already have reached that level. It is of vital interest to invest in the education of every child, and the professional learning of all educators who serve Latino youth.

Our Vision

To engage Latinx educators and empower them with the transformational leadership skills to advocate for equity and excellence of all students with an emphasis on Latinx community.

Our Mission

To cultivate aspiring and current Latinx educational leaders to lead diverse educational systems, organizations, and communities; with a commitment to equity and excellence.

NVALAS Board of Directors

  • RAMONA ESPARZA

    President of NVALAS

    President, The Leadership Institute of Nevada
    Las Vegas, NV

    Ramona Esparza currently is the President of The Leadership Institute of Nevada (LION), a non-profit organization that cultivates innovative, equity-focused leadership development serving public, private, and charter schools. Ramona Esparza is an experienced Leadership Advocate, Coach, and Consultant with demonstrated results and a history of working in educational advocacy and leadership transformation processes. She served as a site-based and central administrator in public education for twenty-eight years. Her skill sets are in Collaboration Solutions, Systems and Design Thinking, Coaching and Mentoring Leaders, Universal Learning Designs, Educational Technology, Data Analysis; and Outcomes-Based Implementation. Her philosophy of life-long learning is infectious, and she has been an advocate that believes “educating others with empowerment and self-efficacy is an equalizer.” She co-founded the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents’ (NVALAS), est. 2018, and serves as the Co-Vice President on the Executive Board. She is a passionate believer that #Because Leadership Matters- Courageous Leaders are Everywhere, Changing the World!

  • DR. LEANNE SALAZAR MONTOYA

    Vice President of NVALAS

  • ELENA FABUNAN

    Treasurer of NVALAS

    Elena Fabunan has worked in the educational field for over 30 years, gaining experience as an educator, advocate, and leader. Her journey in education has been shaped by diverse backgrounds that have fueled her unwavering passion for educational equity and inclusivity. Her career began as an elementary bilingual teacher, where she witnessed the transformative power of education in the lives of English Language Learner (ELL) students.

    She has held various roles throughout her career, each offering unique insights into the educational system. As a middle and high school counselor, she recognized the significance of social and emotional support for adolescents navigating their educational journey. This realization further strengthened her commitment to fostering a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the well-being and development of the whole child.

  • DR. NANCY ALAMO

    Secretary of NVALAS

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