Melisa Duardo
Melisa Duardo is an experienced educational leader with nearly 20 years in the field of K–12 education. Currently serving as an elementary school principal with Covina-Valley Unified School District, she has built her career through roles including teacher’s assistant, site supervisor, teacher, resource teacher, child development program assistant, and now principal. Growing up with a father who was a principal and a mother who was a superintendent, Melisa was inspired early on to pursue a career in education and has dedicated herself to supporting students, families, and staff through strong leadership and school operations.
Throughout her career, Melisa has remained passionate about creating positive environments where students can thrive and educators feel supported. She believes that the leadership skills required to run a school—managing people, solving problems, and balancing competing priorities—can translate into many other industries as well. In addition to her work in education, she recently launched her own spray tanning business, where she enjoys connecting with women from all walks of life and helping them feel confident both inside and out. She is also organizing women’s empowerment events where she shares her personal story, encouraging others through both her successes and challenges.
As a Latina, single mother, and advocate for women’s leadership, Melisa is committed to uplifting women—especially women of color—through mentorship, visibility, and self-care. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, spiritual grounding, and investing in oneself in order to lead effectively and sustainably. Looking ahead, she sees opportunities to continue growing as a leader, whether through district-level education leadership, such as becoming a superintendent, or by transferring her skills into the corporate world.
• California State University, Los Angeles- B.A.
• National University- M.Ed.
• Hearts on Fire Church Youth Ministry Support
• Women Empowerment Events
What do you attribute your success to?
I always have to say I was raised by a very nurturing and loving mother. Unfortunately, she lost her battle to cancer 20 years ago, so I always feel like she works through me in crazy ways. I was only 19 when she passed, but I felt like something was ripped from me. I was very blessed to have her for at least 19 beautiful years, where she really taught me how to be a strong and resilient person, just because she was. I have to attribute it to just her - the way she brought me up, the way she made me realize that I have to be a woman of God and really embrace anything that's coming my way and take it on with just resiliency. I have two older sisters who have helped me in my journey, and just been there for me. I have an aunt. So just, I feel like all the women, and then of course my father has played a huge role in me taking after him as a principal. But I think my family and just the strong women in my life who've helped guide me, and then all the women through my walk of life have just had such a positive impact on me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize self-care and self-awareness, promote yourself confidently, and seek out mentors who can guide and support you. Don’t become discouraged—especially as a woman of color balancing family and career—because your voice, experience, and leadership matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing the many roles I carry as a principal, business owner, and mother, while also managing the emotional weight that comes with each responsibility. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to build women’s empowerment networks, support small businesses, and apply leadership skills from education to district-level or corporate roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm a huge advocate for self-care, so making sure your mental health is priority. Making sure to make time for yourself and others, like going out with your friends and having that support system of women in your life. Spending time with my family, but most importantly, spending time with yourself. For me, I'm always about making sure I get my nails done, or making sure I go get my hair done, or just making sure I get a massage once in a while. I'm even in therapy right now just to help me process everything. Always having supportive people around you, and just get rid of the negative. Always just get rid of the negative. Making sure your spirituality and your spiritual life is just in connection with what you're going through. I do attend a Christian church, and I make sure to go with my kids, and my son is in the youth group, so I like to watch them grow in the Lord and myself as well.