Her Story
About Lori
I chose a career in education because I was fortunate to have incredible educators who changed the course of my life. Their belief in me inspired me to make the same kind of difference for others. I began my career as a classroom teacher, committed to helping students reach their full potential.
As I worked with students, I realized that academic success is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive, students also need social-emotional support and someone who believes in them. That realization led me to become a school counselor, where I focused on supporting the whole child.
My journey continued as I recognized that educators also need strong leadership and meaningful support to succeed in an ever-changing educational landscape. With increasing expectations and evolving mandates, I wanted to help create systems that empower teachers and improve outcomes for students. This passion led me into educational leadership, where I now proudly serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of Bilingual Education.
Throughout every stage of my career, my purpose has remained the same: to positively impact the lives of students by supporting the educators, leaders, and systems that help them succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lori
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, accountability, and the people who believed in me along the way. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that have shaped who I am, strengthened my determination, and taught me that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is to take ownership of my actions, decisions, and outcomes. I believe accountability is essential to leadership. Rather than focusing on obstacles or circumstances, I focus on what I can learn, how I can improve, and how I can make a positive impact.
Above all, my greatest motivation has always been my son. He inspired me to work harder, continue my education, and create opportunities that would provide him with a better life. Every degree I earned, every challenge I overcame, and every leadership role I accepted was driven by the desire to show him that perseverance, integrity, and hard work can change the course of your life. Knowing what I know today, I would make that same journey all over again because it has allowed me to serve others while building a life that my son can be proud of.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from my eighth-grade social studies teacher, who told me, "You can accomplish anything in four years." At the time, I didn't fully understand the significance of those words, but they became a guiding principle throughout my life.
That simple statement taught me to put a realistic timeline on my goals instead of seeing them as overwhelming or impossible. Whether it was earning my doctorate, pursuing leadership positions, or taking on new professional challenges, I learned that with a clear plan, consistent effort, and perseverance, even the biggest goals can be achieved over time.
To this day, whenever I set a new goal, I give myself a timeline and work toward it one step at a time. That advice transformed the way I approach both my career and my life, reminding me that success is built through steady progress, not overnight achievement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You don't always have to know everything, and always be willing to listen. It's okay to say 'I don't know' and take the time to investigate rather than making an on-the-spot answer that might not work out.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My advice to young women entering education is to remember that you do not have to know everything to be an effective leader. Be confident in what you know, but never be afraid to say, "I don't know." Some of the best leaders are lifelong learners who take the time to seek answers, ask questions, and make informed decisions.
Listen more than you speak, especially early in your career. Every person you encounter has something valuable to teach you, whether they are a student, teacher, parent, or colleague. Leadership is not about having all the answers—it's about being willing to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Most importantly, stay true to your values. Lead with integrity, be accountable for your decisions, and never stop investing in yourself. When you approach challenges with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will earn the trust and respect of those you serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are respect, compassion, accountability, and service. Above all, I believe in treating people as human beings first. Before anyone is a student, teacher, parent, administrator, or colleague, they are a human being. Every person wants to be heard, valued, respected, and understood, regardless of the role they play in their life.
I strive to lead with empathy by remembering that everyone is carrying experiences and challenges that may not be visible. Whether I am working with students, educators, families, or colleagues, I believe meaningful relationships begin by listening, showing kindness, and making people feel seen.
I also live by a simple principle: Treat others the way you wish to be treated. When we recognize the humanity in others before we see their title or responsibilities, we build trust, strengthen relationships, and create environments where people feel safe to grow and succeed. I believe creating a culture rooted in respect, compassion, and genuine care is one of the most important responsibilities of both a leader and a person.
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