Join host Pablo Muñoz for a meaningful conversation with his featured guest — Elena Fabunan.
Elena was born in Tijuana, Mexico to a Filipino father and Mexican mother. She championed equity, trauma-informed practices, and newcomer student success during her 35 years as a bilingual teacher, counselor, and principal. Elena is currently a coach, mentor, and advocate, ensuring that every child feels seen, safe, and unstoppable.
1:03 - Introduction
2:16 - My Leadership Story
16:24 - Principal
22:57 - Advocating for Newcomer Students
26:46 - NVALAS
31:12 - Leading with Corazón
32:01 - Trauma-Informed Leadership
32:52 - Mindful Social-Emotional Leadership
34:08 - Guiding Principles
Elena Fabunan carries the resilience of her immigrant roots into every part of her work. She is a retired high school principal who worked in the Clark County School District in Nevada and the Los Angeles Unified School District in California. Elena dedicated her career to advancing educational equity, student well-being, and culturally responsive leadership. She serves on the boards of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS) and the Vegas Vista Academy Charter School. Elena is passionate about developing future leaders and inspiring others to lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity.
Elena earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. She received a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas. Elena obtained a second master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elena-fabunan-53354095
Website: nvalas.org/
Email: mexipina.ef@gmail.com
Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards.
Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.
Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.
Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm.
For additional information visit: themunozcompany.com
Purchase The Leader’s Algorithm: themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm
Learn more about Pablo: themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1
Email: pablo@themunozcompany.com
