Norma Barreda, M.Ed
Norma Barreda, M.Ed, is the Regional Representative for Telecor, a family-owned mass-notification company based in Canada, where she oversees territories including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. She focuses on mass communication, intercom/public-address, and emergency notification solutions for K–12 schools, helping districts implement systems that protect students, support staff, and strengthen school communities. Norma emphasizes servant leadership, listening first, building trust with customers, and solving problems rather than simply pushing products, ensuring every solution aligns with the real needs of educators and administrators. Norma began her career as an early childhood bilingual teacher and advanced into instructional-technology leadership and school administration as an assistant principal. After a multi-year sabbatical to raise her family, she transitioned into education-technology sales, leveraging her classroom experience to advise school districts and channel partners. She is recognized as a top-performing salesperson for her ability to understand educator needs and translate them into practical, reliable solutions. Among her notable achievements, she volunteered to host and managing a school district’s inaugural Bully Free Campaign to unite schools, families, and businesses in a citywide effort that created lasting impact was most memorable and meaningful.
Throughout her career, Norma has partnered with school safety thought leaders, educators, and safety experts, and integrating safety technology systems into existing infrastructure while ensuring compliance with safety standards. She holds a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology.
Beyond her professional work, Norma is committed to community service through volunteer work with the American Red Cross and InfraGard, reflecting her dedication to creating safer, more connected environments both in schools and in the wider community.
• The University of Texas at El Paso - MEd, Educational/Instructional Technology
• 2019 Netsync Top GP -STX
• 2025 Telecor National Sales Award
• InfraGard
• Volunteer,
American Red Cross
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the relationships I build with the people I serve. Working closely with clients, including some of the most experienced customers, has taught me invaluable lessons and shaped my approach to problem-solving and service. These experiences allowed me to successfully transition from an educational background into a technical sales role, where understanding and responding to client needs with empathy and expertise has been key to achieving results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
This is an industry where technical confidence grows over time. You do not need to know everything on day one. What matters is curiosity, accountability, and the willingness to ask thoughtful questions. Listening carefully to stakeholders, understanding their challenges, and translating those needs into practical solutions is where real value is created.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If your drive is to serve and provide solutions, and you are comfortable listening more than speaking, this field can be a strong fit. The most successful professionals in construction and communications technology are those who understand that every project represents real people, real environments, and real safety outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Many facilities continue to rely on legacy systems that were never designed to meet today’s safety standards or connectivity demands. At the same time, there is increasing emphasis from standards like NEMA SB-40 Performance Standard for Electronic Safety, Security, and Emergency Communications Systems for Schools, and organizations such as Partner Alliance for Safer Schools to position communication systems as a core component of a facility’s life safety strategy rather than simple convenience tools. The challenge is that many stakeholders still perceive PA and intercom systems as basic utilities, instead of recognizing them as critical safety infrastructure. This creates a need for stronger collaboration across district stakeholders, bringing decision-makers together to evaluate solutions that support long-term safety, reliability, and strategic investment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, empathy, and a commitment to service. My background in Bilingual and Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusivity, and the importance of creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Whether working with students, colleagues, or clients, I prioritize listening first, building trust, and approaching challenges with thoughtfulness and collaboration, ensuring that my actions positively impact those around me.
Milestone Moments
Collaboration that drives results.