We’ve made it to Labor Day, and now schools are back in session! Kids are full of stories of summer camp, visiting grandparents, and summer backyard birthday parties. As for me, I just did my morning walk to  Earth, Wind and Fire’s song, September! Remember that one?! At this time of year we all want to thank our nation’s educators for showing up for our children and youth. Your generosity in creating safe, loving, welcoming learning spaces free from hate is visible – thank you! 

In this edition of Under the Flamboyan (do you like our new name?), I know you will enjoy my conversation with Dr. Susana Reyes, Superintendent of Shoreline Public Schools in Washington. She talks about her intentional focus on bringing joy to learning in classrooms and how she prioritizes spending time in her schools. Susana also shares the challenges of leading during a time when the safety of some kids is under attack by changes in federal policy toward immigration.

So while some students are full of joyous stories, others are looking to educators to help them understand their summer stories of ICE raids, and family members who can no longer walk their children to school or go to work. For DC students, and possibly soon for Chicago and Baltimore students, they are getting their first up close and personal view of the National Guard troops and tanks rolling into their cities, making them feel like the nation’s enemies. The national agenda is increasingly difficult to explain to young children, but we must find ways to put words to this time in our nation’s history. 

As I speak with educators across our nation, I have been finding a real shift in need to revisit how we are growing, supporting and protecting our leadership capacity. How will we lead through these times and continue to deliver on our mission to serve all of our nation’s students? I encourage you to reinvest in your leadership teams with high quality coaching specifically and individually designed. We have a great team of experienced leaders that will both coach you and network you with other change-making leaders. We also offer a culturally responsive coaching model for districts seeking to enhance their holistic capacity development efforts for leaders. 

I am so excited to announce that on September 15th our portal will open, where you can submit a session proposal for the When Women Lead conference to be held on June 18-20, 2026!  We had a blast in Charleston, SC this past summer, and we are stepping it up as we head back to Vancouver, Washington. I encourage you to find one or two women leaders to co-present with. The registration portal will open this fall as well. Be a part of this amazing network of women leaders nationally. We are different, we are real, we are inclusive!

I will close by celebrating our transition to a new name for our newsletter to reflect the symbolic space of meeting Under the Flamboyan tree to tell our stories and be in community and friendship with one another. Have an amazing school year!

With Love,

Christina and the Voice4Equity Network

SEPTEMBER 2025 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO

Dr. Susana Reyes is entering her fifth year as Superintendent of the Shoreline Public Schools in the state of Washington. She continues to serve on the Washington State Board of Education and is the President of the Washington Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (WALAS). 

Learn more about Dr. Reyes’ journey to the Chief Executive seat, her perspective on staying focused during this hyper politicized time, and hear her advice for women aspiring to the Superintendency.

Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Dr. Reyes below.

The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Dr. Kishimoto (Host)
Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, and you are with us Under the Flamboyan. Today I’m joined by Dr. Susana Reyes, superintendent of Shoreline Public Schools in the state of Washington. Welcome, Susana!

Dr. Reyes:
Thank you. I’m so happy to be here.

Dr. Kishimoto:
Before we dive into the new school year—how was your summer? Anything exciting?

Dr. Reyes:
It was wonderful. I had some good family time and enjoyed the weather. Of course, we were also busy with district work. Like many districts, we faced financial challenges, so we ran a supplemental levy. The first half of July was calm, but the second half was full of community engagement and preparation for Election Day on August 5. Thankfully, it passed—that was definitely exciting.

Dr. Kishimoto:
That sounds about right—summers are never quite long enough for superintendents! I always remind myself we have to take time for family and rest. I spent a few days hiking Mount Hood with my daughter, who just turned 25. But once school begins, there’s no slowdown.

You’ve been in this role five years now, and I know from experience how exhausting and rewarding it can be. What led you to the superintendency? Were there moments in your career when you thought, I can do this—I want to lead a district?

Dr. Reyes:
Absolutely. My journey started when I met a Latina school principal early in my career. At the time, I was working as a clerk typist, unsure of my future. She walked in, confident and in charge, and I thought, If she can do it, I can too.Representation mattered—I saw myself in her.

We are excited to invite superintendents and leaders at the school, district and university levels to submit a proposal to present at the 2026 When Women Lead Conference in beautiful Vancouver, WA! This is a unique learning and networking event to share your expertise, insights, and innovative strategies with peers who are transforming the education landscape. Whether you have a story of transformation to tell, a successful initiative to showcase, or research that can better inform, we want to invite you! Join us in creating a powerful space for learning, connection, and empowerment. Submit your proposal today!

Executive coaching is a powerful way to sharpen your leadership skills and deepen your impact on students, families, and communities. At Voice4Equity, we offer confidential, personalized coaching tailored to your needs—whether you’re stepping into a new role, leading through change, or refining your leadership style. We work with superintendents, cabinet-level leaders, and school-based administrators preparing for district leadership. Our commitment is to meet you where you are and support you in leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with us to explore how we can walk alongside you in your leadership journey.