Her Story
About Monica
Monica Colunga is a seasoned education leader with more than 37 years of experience dedicated to developing students, educators, and future leaders. She began her career after earning a degree in Movement and Exercise Science with an emphasis in athletic training and a minor in education from Chapman University. Her professional journey progressed from athletic trainer to assistant principal and ultimately to principal, where she served for 16 years at Irvine High School. Monica also earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from UC Irvine/UCLA and completed Harvard Business School Online’s Certificate in School Management and Leadership. Throughout her career, Monica has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership development, education, and service. She has served as president of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section and at the state level, taught through UC Irvine’s continuing education department, and worked as an assessor with Pearson Professional Programs. She currently serves as an Associate Coach with the Association of California School Administrators, where she provides leadership coaching and mentors first- and second-year principals. She is also a Certified Mental Performance Coach and an Appeals Officer with the California Interscholastic Federation. Monica’s impact extends beyond her professional roles through her long-standing commitment to athletics, mentorship, and community leadership. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping transform the culture at Irvine High School through a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program that empowered students and contributed to the school earning platinum recognition. She has also volunteered as an assistant softball coach at Chapman University for more than three decades. Passionate about developing future leaders and supporting women in education, Monica encourages others to take risks, overcome self-doubt, practice positive self-talk, and give themselves grace. Her career reflects a people-centered approach to leadership grounded in service, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to take risks and believe in yourself. It is easy to fall into self-doubt, so I encourage women to focus on positive self-talk rather than listening to their inner critic. Give yourself grace, empower yourself to take that risk, open the door, go through the window, and shatter the ceiling. Most importantly, keep moving forward with confidence and purpose.
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