Dr. Sandra Hernandez has been an educator for over 25 years serving schools and communities in an urban setting.   Leading through research, and practice-based understanding of the relationship between educational leadership and student learning, Dr. Hernandez continues to improve student achievement from a holistic perspective.  As a school leader she promotes learning, achievement, development, and well-being of each student.  Dr. Hernandez values equity and cultural responsiveness, curriculum and instruction, professional community for teachers and staff, meaningful engagement of families and community, operations and management, and school improvement for Title 1 schools, which are underserved neighborhoods and communities of predominantly African American and Latino students.  Dr. Hernandez fosters a safe, caring and supportive school learning community, promotes rigorous curricula, embeds the arts, a green space, and health and wellness.  As a transformational leader, Dr. Hernandez is creative, inspirational, a strong communicator who embraces multiple partnerships, and cultivates  others’ leadership capacities.  In addition, Dr. Hernandez guides her practice through policy, professional associations, and supporting institutions.  Schools and school districts need effective leaders as never before to tackle challenges and take advantages of opportunities in education today and in the future.  Dr. Hernandez is an effective, courageous, caring and innovative leader that exemplifies the effective qualities and values of leadership to lead any school district for students’ academic success and community improvement.