At Blaker-Kinser Junior High School, 2026 Middle Grades Co-Administrator of the Year Lucia B. Hernandez has fostered a sense of belonging through relationships, restorative practices and academic achievement. As assistant principal, she has prioritized building a strong school culture based on her belief that every student deserves high levels of support to achieve their goals.

Hernandez has drawn on her experience as a first-generation Mexican American and former English learner to advocate for students and families. With staff, she helped implement a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework that reduced suspensions among English learners by 4.5 percent, students with disabilities by 4.4 percent and socioeconomically disadvantaged students by 2.3 percent.

Hernandez has also driven a cultural transformation at her school site by setting a new standard for proactive and restorative practices. Under her guidance, Blaker-Kinser earned PBIS Platinum Recognition, the framework’s highest distinction, while its suspension rate fell from 12.1 percent in 2019-20 to 1.39 percent in 2024-25.

To support student achievement, Hernandez assembled teachers in English language arts, math and English language development to create goal-setting sheets for long-term English learners. In 2024-25, long-term English learners posted a 36-point gain in English language arts and a five-point gain in math.

An ACSA member since 2014, Hernandez has served as secretary of the Stanislaus Charter in Region 7 since 2024 and will serve as vice president for the charter next year.

“At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to belonging,” said Dr. Amy Peterman, superintendent of Ceres Unified School District. “Her open-door approach, visible presence and restorative practices ensure that every student experiences respect, care and opportunity daily.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I was ever given came 21 years ago from my longtime mentor and very first supervisor. My mentor encouraged me to pursue my education and leadership path. He advised me not to take myself too seriously and to always stay true to who I am. He taught me that leadership isn’t about the title on your door or the degrees on your wall. Leadership is about recognizing the shared humanity in everyone you meet. He taught me that being myself and leading with authenticity would resonate with the students and the community we serve. Two decades later, as an assistant principal, I carry these lessons with me. I have found that when you lead with humility and show up as your genuine self, you build a bridge of trust with your community that no formal title can provide. It’s about being human first and an administrator second.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? I would pass along the same wisdom that was shared with me: Lead with authenticity. When leaders are transparent about intentions and vulnerable regarding challenges, they foster a culture of genuine trust. When they model that it’s safe to be human, they create a space where mistakes are opportunities for growth and ideas are shared without judgment.

Second, don’t try to do it all alone. Build a network of “go-to” colleagues, stay connected with mentors and utilize resources from organizations like ACSA. Having a “safe space” to ask questions, navigate challenges and learn from peers is vital for long-term success. Lastly, make it a priority to follow through. Integrity is the currency of leadership. Your community observes your actions more than your words, and integrity is built in those moments of follow-through.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? People would be surprised that I began my leadership journey almost by accident. As a first-generation Mexican American raised in a traditional household, I grew up believing higher education was a path reserved for the wealthy. That changed when I met my first supervisor, now mentor, while working as a part-time clerk. He recognized a potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. He challenged me to never “waste my talent.” Empowered by his belief in me, I enrolled in school full time while working and raising a family. Twenty-one years later, being the first in my family to graduate high school and earn a college degree remains one of my proudest accomplishments. This experience is the “why” behind my work. My goal is to advocate for others and instill in them the same confidence I was once given.

How has ACSA supported you in your career? Since joining ACSA in 2014, the organization has provided invaluable opportunities for continuous growth in my educational leadership journey. Through ACSA’s leadership programs, conferences and networking opportunities, I’ve gained the confidence to be the leader I am today. ACSA is more than a resource. It is a community. As incoming vice president for Stanislaus Charter, Region 7, I am dedicated to continuing our mission of advocating for the best interests of students while working to develop, empower, and inspire equity-minded leaders.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging look like for you, your staff or your students? For me, creating a sense of belonging for students and staff begins with leaders who are approachable and relatable. Throughout my educational and leadership journey, the most powerful impacts have occurred when educators and leaders saw me for who I truly am, rather than just a name on a roster or a professional title. The confidence I have gained grew from those who recognized my unique persona, skillset, and individual qualities, and that experience is the foundation of my approach to our students, staff, and families today. I often find that I share similar stories and backgrounds with the people I serve, and I am incredibly proud to share those experiences openly. We connect because they see themselves in my journey, just as I see myself in theirs.

At Blaker Kinser, this sense of being “seen” is the cornerstone of our success. We cultivate belonging by intentionally showcasing student and staff achievements, reimagining the way parents and community members engage with our school, and prioritizing deep, personal connections. We are a community moving with a singular purpose, driven by the profound knowledge that here, everyone belongs.