At the heart of Lisa Rodriguez’s work is her commitment to nurturing the growth of at-promise students and their educators. Her belief in the power of real-world opportunity and outside-the-box thinking are just a few reasons why she is the recipient of ACSA’s 2025 Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year Award.

Rodriguez has redefined access to workforce readiness as a school leader at Kings County Office of Education. From building industry-aligned curriculum to forging partnerships with local businesses and colleges, her work prepares students not only for jobs but for long-term careers. She has created CTE programs for incarcerated youth, ensuring that they are equipped with industry certifications, college credits and practical experience.

Rodriguez’s approach is rooted in innovation and inclusivity. She has helped secure major grants and funding to expand access to emerging fields such as agriculture, media and the trades. Her work with the Tulare Kings College and Career Collaborative provides students across the region with dual enrollment opportunities and wrap-around services like counseling and tutoring.

She is equally committed to empowering educators, offering ongoing professional development and externships to ensure CTE instructors remain on the cutting edge of industry trends.

“Lisa exemplifies transparency and trust in program development, funding and accessibility, ensuring that all educational partners benefit from equitable opportunities,” said Joy Santos, assistant superintendent at Kings County Office of Education. “Her pursuit of lifelong learning and certifications further demonstrates her dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging trends in education and workforce development.”

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? “Great leaders are not the best at everything. They find people who are the best at different things and get them all on the same team.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever received is to give yourself permission to make mistakes. Failure isn’t the end — it's simply your “First Attempt In Learning.” This mindset has been transformative for me. It’s a reminder that growth comes through effort, setbacks and persistence. Every mistake is an opportunity to improve, refine and ultimately succeed. Embracing failure as part of the learning process allows me to take risks, be creative and move forward with confidence, even when things don’t go as planned.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? Prioritize activities that bring you joy and help you unwind and actually put them on your calendar. Treat these moments of rest and enjoyment with the same importance as work commitments. Whether it’s a hobby, time with loved ones or simply relaxing, scheduling joy into your routine is key to maintaining a healthy, sustainable work-life balance.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Leverage your calendar and email as powerful tools to stay organized and prioritize effectively. Block time for important tasks, set reminders and use your inbox as a guide for daily priorities.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? People are often surprised to learn that I taught both Introduction and Advanced Agricultural Mechanics courses. From welding and small engine repair to electrical systems and construction, I helped students develop hands-on skills that are both practical and empowering. It was a unique and rewarding experience that combined technical knowledge with real-world applications.

Why is Career Technical Education important? Career Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in both California’s economy and the future success of its students. With more than 10,000 CTE courses meeting a–g requirements for UC and CSU admission, CTE is no longer just an alternative path, it’s a powerful, college and career aligned option that prepares students for success in multiple directions.

Serving over 676,000 students across the state, CTE equips learners with more than just technical and academic knowledge. It fosters essential soft skills that today’s employers demand: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, integrity, ethical leadership, and creativity. These real-world competencies make CTE students not only job ready but also future ready.

CTE offers 58 career pathways that connect classroom learning to high-skill, high-demand careers. From healthcare and advanced manufacturing to information technology and sustainable agriculture, CTE ensures that students are not only prepared to thrive in postsecondary education but are also equipped to contribute meaningfully to California’s rapidly evolving economy.

Ultimately, CTE is an essential investment in both individual potential and the collective prosperity of California.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? I’m most proud of developing innovative solutions that break down barriers for at-promise students by thinking outside the box to create flexible, career-aligned pathways. This includes ensuring that all students, even those in court and community school settings, have equitable access to high-quality CTE programs that prepare them for real-world success.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? Being part of ACSA has connected me with inspiring leaders from across California, expanding my professional network and strengthening my impact in Career Technical Education. Through these connections, I’ve been able to support key initiatives, from streamlining CTE funding to advocating for legislative priorities tied to the Master Plan for Career Education. ACSA has truly been a catalyst for both collaboration and meaningful impact.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Lead Loudly: Sharing Stories, Building Bridges.” What does Leading Loudly mean to you? There is power in uniting around a common purpose, especially when that purpose is advocating for what’s best for all students in California. As ACSA members, we are stronger together. Through collaboration at Leadership Assemblies, the Leadership Summit and Legislative Action Days, we harness our collective voice to Lead Loudly. Together, we champion increased school funding and impactful policies that drive positive outcomes for every student across the state.