Her Story
About Nidia
Nidia De La Cerda is an Assistant Principal with experience leading campus operations, supporting instructional staff, and fostering safe, structured, and collaborative school environments. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Texas School Safety Center, where she remains engaged in ongoing dialogue around school safety and best practices.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Bilingual Education and a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education. Ms. De la Cerda is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Educational Leadership, further strengthening her capacity to lead campuses with intentionality, equity, and operational clarity.
Ms. De La Cerda's leadership style is grounded in consistency, clear communication, and relationship-building. She works closely with staff and families to ensure systems function effectively and students are supported both academically and socially. She is committed to maintaining high expectations, supporting educators, and cultivating school communities where students can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nidia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, hard work, and purpose. Coming from humble beginnings, I learned early that consistent effort creates opportunity. By pursuing postgraduate education and building a life centered on growth and resilience, I can show my children that hard work truly goes a long way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to focus on being consistent rather than perfect. Showing up, doing the work, and earning trust over time creates lasting impact and opens doors that shortcuts never will.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Confidence is built through action, not perfection. You belong here, and your perspective and voice matter. Ask questions, seek mentors, and don't wait for permission to lead.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is balancing high expectations with limited resources. Whether it’s funding, staffing, or time, there’s constant pressure to deliver excellent outcomes while managing constraints.
Another challenge is adapting to rapid changes, technological, social, and cultural, while ensuring that policies and practices remain equitable and effective. It requires continuous learning and flexibility.
Finally, supporting the mental and emotional well-being of the people we serve, and ourselves, has become increasingly important, especially in high-stress environments. Meeting these needs while staying focused on long-term goals is a constant balancing act.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and accountability: I strive to do what's right, even when it's difficult.
Balance and resilience help me navigate challenges while maintaining well-being, ensuring I can bring my best self to both work and life.
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