Executive Secretary to the Board of Education Antoinette Chambers is committed to excellence in student service. Her work to support Modesto City Schools’ equity efforts, safety enhancements and Board of Education business helps make all students’ educational experience meaningful and valuable. For those reasons and more, Chambers is ACSA’s 2025 Confidential Employee of the Year.

In her role as liaison to Modesto City Schools’ board, Chambers supports complex initiatives — from updating student dress codes and diversifying the workforce to implementing ethnic studies, refining graduation requirements and helping with districtwide equity audits. She also helped send about 40 students on a college tour of historically black colleges and universities.

Chambers’ leadership strengthens day-to-day learning, too. She coordinates weekly board communications that track academics progress and attendance and discipline efforts. She organizes site visits to highlight programs like career technical education and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. A champion of culture and customer service, she partners with communications to celebrate students, families and staff.

Chambers led the board’s transition to a digital agenda system and became Modesto’s in-house expert on board management software, improving transparency and efficiency while safeguarding confidential information. Her advocacy for safety for all students — including lockdown trainings, anonymous reporting, locked-door classroom policies and single-entry points — reflects experience rooted in school sites and special education.

“In every capacity, Antoinette embodies the qualities that define excellence in service,” said Dr. Sara Noguchi, superintendent of Modesto City Schools. “Her unparalleled professionalism, community involvement and dedication to the success of our schools make her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition.”

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? One book I recently read is “Mindful Leadership” by Maria Gonzalez, MBA. It’s a powerful reminder that effective leadership starts from within. The author highlights the value of staying calm, present, and focused. These qualities are essential for navigating challenges and making thoughtful decisions. True leadership begins from within; I view leadership as the way I support, assist, and influence those around me. By practicing mindful leadership, I’m better able to serve others and help move our shared goals forward.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever received was: “Listen more than you speak.” Listening to understand, rather than simply reacting, helps build trust, makes the other person feel understood, and build relationships. In high school, I was voted "Most Shy," so being an observer and a listener has always come naturally to me. This quality has served me well throughout my career, especially in my current role as executive secretary to the Board of Education at Modesto City Schools. I regularly interact with individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives to our board meetings. Listening thoughtfully allows me to navigate situations diplomatically and respond with professionalism and care.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? My approach to work-life balance is committing to work when it’s time to work, and truly unplugging when it’s time to rest. I’ve learned that I need mental breaks throughout the day, so I make it a priority to take my lunch break whenever possible. At the same time, I stay flexible and understand that some days require extra time and focus. I’m constantly evaluating whether my work needs more of me, or if my personal life and family do. When faced with a tie, I remind myself of the saying: “No one on their deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had worked more.’” People tend to reflect on the time they spent with loved ones. That keeps me grounded in what truly matters. One of the most rewarding parts of work is when genuine friendships form, naturally blending work and life together.

I was born in Oakland in the late ’60s to a 15-year-old mother, with no involvement from my father. My early family life was unstable — my grandparents were raising 10 other children while battling their own struggles. Despite those challenges, I was surrounded by a powerful sense of village. My godparents stepped in to help raise me, and their love and support, along with my faith, helped shape the person I am today. Growing up during a time of major social change — from the civil rights movement to the rise of the Black Panther Party — instilled in me the importance of community, resilience, and purpose. I always tell young people: your circumstances don’t define you — your village, your faith, and your belief in your own worth do.

What made you want to become a school administrator? I have a servant’s heart and a deep desire to help others, which naturally led me to this role. Being a classified confidential administrator allows me to support the important work of education behind the scenes. It gives me a strong sense of purpose. I truly value the relationships I’ve built with my superintendent, board members, colleagues, students, families, and community partners. I feel connected to our shared mission of serving our students and community.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? One of the biggest ongoing challenges, which is more of a practice and something I continue to reflect on, is learning to hold back from sharing my personal opinions on topics that are personal to me. Remaining neutral is important to create a space for all voices to be heard. At board meetings, I focus on creating an environment of respect and order where individuals feel free to express their perspectives. It’s a balance of professionalism, diplomacy, and empathy that allows the process to function fairly and effectively for everyone involved.

That said, there are also moments when, as a valued employee of the school district and a member of a minority community, my personal perspective is genuinely sought out and welcomed. During those times, I feel heard and empowered to contribute my voice.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? I’m most proud of finding a healthy balance between my personal life and professional life— and achieving meaningful accomplishments in both. I’ve been happily married to my wonderfully supportive husband, Maurice, for what will be 35 years this August. We’ve raised two amazing adult children: our son, Justice, an entrepreneur and owner of Soul Blends Coffee Roasters and Café in Oakland, and our daughter, Mayah, who works in HR management in San Jose.

Professionally, being with Modesto City Schools for close to 24 years and being named the 2025 recipient of the ACSA state-level Confidential Employee of the Year Award is truly the greatest honor of my career so far. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition and proud to represent the important work that classified professionals do every day.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? Early in my career as a classified educational partner, attending ACSA’s annual appreciation events made me feel genuinely valued and inspired to make a difference in the lives of students. That feeling has stayed with me throughout the years, and it’s only grown stronger with the additional support ACSA provides, from professional development opportunities to collaboration with like-minded colleagues across the state, and access to timely data and resources on education and leadership, ACSA has been a constant source of growth and connection.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Lead Loudly: Sharing Stories, Building Bridges.” What does Leading Loudly mean to you? To me, Leading Loudly means recognizing that leadership doesn’t always have to be up in front of the group speaking — it can also come from behind the scenes. In my role, I’ve learned to value the experience, knowledge, and relationships I’ve built over the years and to lead with confidence, even if my work isn’t always in the spotlight. It’s about showing up, getting things done, and sharing what I’ve learned to hopefully inspire others, especially new and upcoming confidential employees who may be just starting their leadership journey. Leading loudly means leading with confidence and having the courage to be seen and heard for the value you bring.