Nicole Garza, MA

I attribute my success to what has always been the foundation of my leadership: relationships. I believe meaningful change happens when students, staff, and families feel valued, supported, and connected to a shared purpose. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to putting students first by focusing not only on academic achievement but also on students’ emotional and social well-being through a whole-child approach. Integrity also guides every decision I make as a leader. I believe change must be truly student-centered, not driven by adult convenience, politics, or perception, but by what is genuinely best for children. My ability to remain focused on that vision, even during challenging circumstances, has allowed me to lead schools through significant transformation while maintaining trust and collaboration within the community.

One of the clearest examples of this was leading the merger of two elementary schools with very different cultures and environments into one unified school community. Rather than focusing solely on systems and logistics, I prioritized building relationships, establishing trust, and creating a positive climate where both students and staff could thrive. Seeing students and staff come to school happy, engaged, and excited to learn each day affirmed the importance of that work. The school’s national recognition as a National Gold Star School further reflected the strength of a culture grounded in connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.

I also believe deeply in supporting and uplifting fellow leaders. Educational leadership can be isolating, particularly as responsibilities grow, and I value the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and professional support systems. Being named the 2025 Region 1 Principal of the Year for Wayne County was a meaningful honor, not simply as recognition of achievement, but as affirmation that leading with integrity, compassion, and a student-centered vision creates lasting and meaningful impact.

The best career advice I’ve ever followed was to stay true to my purpose, even when others didn’t understand it. Since third grade, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. Throughout my life, people often encouraged me to pursue other careers.

But my passion for education never wavered. I continued pursuing the work that gave me meaning, helping students grow, building relationships, and making a lasting impact on lives. Over time, I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from meeting other people’s expectations; it comes from aligning your work with your purpose. Even today, if given the opportunity to choose any other path, I would still choose education. It has never just been a career for me, it has always been a passion and my calling.

My advice to young women entering education is this: while the work can be challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding and meaningful careers you can choose. We need passionate, caring people who truly love working with children, because the impact you make every day is lasting. Watching students grow, gain confidence, and come to school excited to learn makes the challenges worthwhile. Education is a profession that fulfills you from within, which is why so many people are drawn to it, even as a second career. I would encourage anyone considering this field not to be afraid to step into it. It is a career I would never choose to leave. Right now, we especially need strong educators and leaders as many experienced professionals retire and new opportunities emerge at every level.

I also want young women to know that leadership in education takes many forms. You do not have to become a principal to lead. Teacher leaders, PLC leads, instructional coaches, mentors, department leaders, etc. all make an incredible difference. Leadership is about influence, service, and supporting others, regardless of your title. If you feel called to lead, don’t shy away from it. At times, leadership can feel difficult or even lonely, which is why it’s so important for women in education to support and empower one another. Organizations like MEMSPA, NAESP, and even our local Women in Leadership groups provide encouragement, mentorship, and connection. Some of the most inspiring experiences in my career have come from being surrounded by women who lift each other up and work together to improve education for students. When we collaborate, encourage one another, and lead with purpose, there is truly no limit to what we can accomplish for the future of our children and schools.

One of the biggest challenges in education today is meeting the diverse academic, emotional, and social needs of students while also supporting educators in an ever-changing environment. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to innovate through collaboration, technology, community partnerships, and a stronger focus on the whole child. I believe this moment in education creates an opportunity to reimagine learning in ways that are more inclusive, impactful, and empowering for both students and educators.

The values that matter most to me in both my professional and personal life are relationships, integrity, and always putting students first. Building strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families has always been at the heart of who I am, and I believe that is what called me to education in the first place. I value connection, trust, and creating environments where people feel supported and valued. Integrity is another core value I carry into every aspect of my life. I believe in being honest, dependable, and standing by my commitments, both personally and professionally. I want people to know they can trust my word and the work I do. In my leadership, I focus on the whole child, not just academic performance or test scores. Students are individuals with emotional, social, and academic needs, and I believe those needs must be supported before true learning can happen. Any change or improvement we pursue in education should always be centered on what is best for students. Family is equally important to me, and one of my proudest moments has been watching my daughter grow up seeing my passion and dedication to education. Even though she witnessed the challenges that come with this profession, she also saw the purpose and fulfillment it brings. Two weeks ago, she graduated from Eastern Michigan University and chose to enter the field of education herself. Knowing that she was inspired by my example and is continuing a legacy of service and impact for future generations is something I treasure deeply.