Her Story
About Frida
Frida Goldstein-Friend is a retired education executive and special education leader whose career spans more than three decades of service in educational leadership, student support services, and special education administration. She retired in 2017 after serving for 30 years as Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services for Santa Paula Unified School District in Ventura County, California. Her expertise includes special education, educational leadership, staff development, curriculum development, instructional design, educational technology, grant writing, program development, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Throughout her career, she has remained committed to improving educational opportunities and support systems for students with diverse learning needs and their families.
Goldstein-Friend began her professional career in Bogotá, Colombia, where she served as a professor at the University of Los Andes before receiving a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the United States. At the University of Southern California, she earned a master's degree in Special Education and completed doctoral coursework toward a PhD (ABD) in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on research and evaluation. She later obtained an Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University. After five years in community mental health, she transitioned into public education as a school psychologist and coordinator of special education services before advancing into executive leadership. During her tenure with Santa Paula Unified, she supervised multidisciplinary teams, expanded special education programs, developed innovative preschool and student support initiatives, and successfully secured grant funding for after-school programs, elementary school counselors, and professional development opportunities for special education staff. Following her retirement, she continued serving the education community as a consultant to school districts in San Diego and Ventura County, specializing in grant writing and Individualized Education Program (IEP) reviews, and previously worked as a Case Manager with Family Health Centers of San Diego, supporting families of children with special needs.
Goldstein-Friend attributes her professional success to perseverance, exceptional mentors, and the outstanding education she received at the University of Southern California. Raised in a family that valued academic excellence, she is proud to come from a family of Fulbright scholars, with both of her brothers also receiving Fulbright Scholarships. A bilingual and biliterate Spanish speaker, she holds credentials as both a School Psychologist and Educational Administrator and remains active in professional organizations, including the Association of California School Administrators and the National Association of School Psychologists. Although largely retired, she continues to provide select consulting services and looks forward to expanding her community involvement through volunteer initiatives that promote civic engagement and voting rights.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Frida
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, the guidance of exceptional mentors, and the strong foundation provided by my family. Growing up in a high-achieving household inspired me to pursue excellence, and sharing the distinction of being a Fulbright Scholar with both of my brothers reinforced the value of dedication and lifelong learning. My years at the University of Southern California were especially transformative, providing me with a world-class education that broadened my perspective, strengthened my skills, and prepared me for continued personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to approach my work with the goal of serving others. When I work with passion, integrity, and purpose, the impact extends far beyond my own efforts and creates meaningful value for those I serve. I strive to always give my best, continuously improve, and remain focused on how my work can positively influence and improve the lives of children.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to commit to lifelong learning and continuous growth. Never limit your potential or become complacent. Seek every opportunity for professional and personal development, embrace new challenges, and remain open to learning from every experience. By continually investing in yourself and pushing beyond your comfort zone, you will build the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to thrive and make a lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is the growing pressure on the public education system. I believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality, fully funded public education, and that supporting educators is essential to achieving that goal. Improving teacher compensation, reducing class sizes particularly in kindergarten through fifth grade to help prevent burnout, and ensuring students have broad access to books and diverse learning resources are all critical priorities. Addressing these challenges presents an important opportunity to strengthen educational outcomes and better support both students and teachers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and compassion. I believe in treating others with kindness and respect while remaining true to my principles. Whether supporting my family, friends, colleagues, or the broader community, I strive to make a positive difference by caring for the people around me and leading with empathy, authenticity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.