Influential Woman · Leadership
Dr. Linda Uribe
Executive Officer for College Readiness, --
Pharr, TX
Her Story
About Dr.
Dr. Linda Uribe brings over 25 years of experience in the education field to her role as Executive Officer for College and Career Readiness on her district's leadership team in the second largest district in her Texas region. Her career path began as a teacher, followed by positions as a high school counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She holds a doctorate in leadership, which she credits as a game changer that enhanced her problem-solving abilities and commitment to serving others through collaboration and empathy. Dr. Uribe's expertise lies in leadership development, and she is a member of the American Association of School Administrators. Her professional achievements include being the first Latina woman to receive the American Association National Women's Leadership Award in 2014, as well as being named Principal of the Year in her region and a finalist for Principal of the Year. She attributes her success to the values instilled by her mother in a single-parent home, emphasizing the importance of education to break the cycle of poverty.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr.
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success really goes back to being a young girl, being raised in a single-parent home with a mother that didn't have a formal education. Raising these girls on her own, and really instilling the belief system that we have to break the chain of poverty. Really cheering us on to getting our education. Later, my mom did go back and get her GED, and she did get a formal college certificate, but we were always first. Those lived experiences really shaped my life.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You don't have to know your entire future. We have to be kind to other people and that our voice matters. Young women grow up feeling that we need to stay silent, so just making sure that they know that their voice is power, and that they need to protect their peace. Invest in themselves early to be able to go far. Starting early to go far. The waving really does set the foundation for their confidence. We have to use our voice, because we belong in the room, too.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In leadership positions, women often hit the ceiling when it comes to moving up to that next level. Most leadership positions in education are taken by men. It's really important that women break that ceiling, not just for ourselves, but for all the young girls that are coming along the way. Being that a Latina, Latinos are the majority now in the nation, but we're also the least educated. Making sure that education is reaching every corner.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is always number one. It is so hard to earn and so easy to lose. Being a person that is a team player. Being able to work well with others is very important. Collaboration. Being sensitive, understanding, and empathetic.
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