Her Story
About Gracie
Gracie Estrella is the Coordinator of District Improvement and Support at the county level, where she oversees local control and accountability plans for 23 districts, ensuring compliance with California Department of Education requirements while humanizing the process to support district leaders. Her career path began in the classroom in 2006, progressed through district-level coaching and English learner program implementation, and advanced to county roles focused on curriculum, instruction, equity strategies, and professional development for teachers. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a bachelor's and master's in education, Estrella incorporates equity and humanity into all aspects of her work and is a member of the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Latino Superintendents.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gracie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from resilience. Even when things are hard, there's a lesson to be learned, and those lessons make us stronger and provide more perspective and wisdom that we can share. I know I have a lot to offer and I deserve to get a piece of the pie.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep doors open. Continue to mentor those coming up, take them along with you so they see the opportunities. Stay humble with humility. My dad always said go get it - you have to take action if you want it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be ready, it's not easy. Be authentic, bring yourself. Remember your center and your core because there will be so many distractions. Stick with it even when people tell you no. Find your space where you're allowed to be who you are.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges since COVID include much change, pivoting how children learn, managing social media, and burnout. Opportunities include giving students a bigger voice, incorporating student voice into curriculum, and collaborating with them to change education.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy is key. Everyone has the right to be loved. It's about seeing humanity, being supportive and helpful, coming from a perspective of support, love, and care. We all need empathy.
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