Her Story
About Allison
Allison Kozel is the Program Manager for Student Support Services for San Juan Unified, where she oversees home and hospital instruction and health services. Previously she managed foster youth programs before a reorganization. In addition to her district role, Kozel is building a business that supports emerging leaders in education, with a particular emphasis on women in the profession. She earned a degree in communication and digital media and later obtained her teaching credential, beginning her teaching career 20 years ago. Kozel advanced through leadership positions including union representative, leadership team member, vice principal, and principal at schools she attended as a child. She attributes her drive to her family background, including her mother who immigrated from Ireland and her father who served as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, as well as her position as a middle child. Kozel has worked to overcome imposter syndrome and now encourages others to take leaps in their careers and recognize their own readiness for advancement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Allison
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of what I do goes back to my mom who is an immigrant from Ireland. She left when she was young, moved to Spain, learned the language, met my dad who was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. Growing up with immigrant ways of working hard for everything and the military side with regimented respect for leaders instilled in me that there is no option other than to work really hard and keep going. I am also a middle child and people-speaker. I battled imposter syndrome but learned to trust what I bring to the table.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The thing I have battled is imposter syndrome of do I belong here, should I be at this table. I want people coming up behind me to know they can put themselves out there for bigger things. You have to get yourself out there for things and take the leap because it is not going to happen without that. Too many times I waited for someone to tell me I was ready without allowing myself to know that I was ready before they did.
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