Her Story
About Claudia
Claudia Cabrera-Rodriguez is a dedicated education professional with extensive experience supporting diverse student populations in the Lansing School District. Currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent of Special Populations and Programs, Claudia brings expertise in bilingual family liaison work, specialized instructional support, and CPI-certified verbal de-escalation training. Her commitment to student success is evident in her hands-on approach, bridging communication between families, educators, and administrators to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
With a strong background in social work and educational support, Claudia has held multiple roles within the Lansing School District, including Specialized Bilingual Instructional Assistant and Bilingual Family Liaison. She has also contributed her skills to Michigan State University, managing museum programs, coordinating events, training volunteers, and translating educational materials to engage Spanish-speaking communities. Her experience combines administrative precision with a deep understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity, allowing her to effectively serve students and families across the district.
Claudia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University and is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Social Work. Her professional philosophy centers on advocacy, empathy, and collaboration, ensuring that every student and family she works with feels supported and empowered. Outside of her administrative and educational roles, Claudia actively engages in special projects and cultural initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Claudia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to community, equity, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Being raised in Lansing, Michigan, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting students and families, helping them access the resources they need to thrive. I currently serve as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent of Special Populations at the Lansing School District and work to expand Latino representation in education through Michigan Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents while pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Social Work to better support diverse communities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A respected mentor and supervisor from my undergraduate research once told me, “You need to tell people what you need.” We often hesitate to advocate for ourselves because we don’t want to take up space, but asking is essential for our success. More often than not, the answer is a simple yes—and the worst anyone can say is no.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field that education, advocacy, and community work can be challenging but deeply rewarding. Surround yourself with mentors who push you to grow, invest in continuous learning, and seek out spaces where diversity is valued. Most importantly, take care of yourself — balance is essential — and remember, you don’t need all the answers to make a difference; you just need the courage to start.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my work has been balancing advocacy with patience. Working with diverse, bilingual, and immigrant communities means needs can feel urgent, but the systems meant to support them often move slowly. Representation is another challenge — as a Latina professional, I’ve often been one of the few in the room. Still, showing up matters, because when students and families see themselves reflected in leadership, it builds trust, belonging, and paves the way for others.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are lifelong learning, service, and self-expression. I strive to grow both professionally and personally, whether through advocacy, mentorship, or creative pursuits. My goal is to help others find their voice, just as I continue to develop and express my own.
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