Join host Pablo Muñoz for an uplifting conversation with his featured guest — Sonia Ruiz.
Sonia is a proud Latina leader who has dedicated her life to serving others. She is an equity-minded leader who believes that representation matters and that all students deserve to be seen, valued, and supported. Sonia was named the 2025 Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year and the 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year.
1:03 - Introduction
2:09 - My Leadership Story
19:25 - Principal of the Year
24:28 - Latina Leaders
28:47 - Assistant Principal
33:08 - You Matter, You Belong
35:57 - Representation Matters
39:20 - Guiding Principles
Sonia Ruiz is the principal of Jane Addams Middle School at the Valley View School District 365U in Illinois, where her leadership has led the school to Exemplary Status for three consecutive years. She has over two decades of experience dedicated to fostering inclusive, high-achieving school communities. Sonia serves as the diversity and equity chairwoman for the Illinois Principals Association (IPA).
Sonia received a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds a second master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Sonia is working on her doctorate in educational administration and foundations at Illinois State University.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonia-ruiz-00016b14b
Email: ruizse@vvsd.org
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
