2019 was a year of great blessing and extraordinary challenge.

I’ve been blessed over my life to learn from the gifted and talented people who are a part of my circle or who I have had the great fortune to share a moment of time with.  As 2019 draws to a close, I am mindful that my greatest teacher this year was life itself, the curveballs that you cannot see coming. The gifts of family, deep friendship, and those who I was gifted a moment in time with close out a year of unforeseen challenges with a focus on the blessings that are far more powerful than any challenge that can cross our paths.

CUE, ACSA, and the Future Ready/Alliance for Excellent Education continue to be among my most trusted and valued professional education organizations. CALSA, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators made it to the top of my list this year as well. The leadership, the work, the camaraderie and mentorship provided through CALSA are noteworthy. 

These organizations, my colleagues, and my friends have influenced my choice of books, movies, and music throughout the year. Here are the ones that made me think, brought me inspiration, peace of mind, or that I just simply enjoyed.

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*The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff

*Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond

*GMorning GNight by Lin-Manuel Miranda

*Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

*White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

*How Great Leaders Think by  Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal

*Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt

*The Leadership Lessons of Jesus by Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard

*In This Together by Nancy D. O’Reilly 

*Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

*Avengers: Endgame

*The Upside

*Mind Hunter

*Miss Bala (Guilty Pleasure)

*Rocketman

*Crazy Rich Asians – a fun compliment to my travels in Singapore

Movies that I have my eye on:

*A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

*The Souvenir

*Dolomite is My Name

*The Two Popes

*American Factory

*The Great Hack

Netflix got the better of me in 2019 – Binge Worthy Indulgences

*Madam Secretary

*Ballers

*Heartland

*Longmire

*Peaky Blinders

*Person of Interest

*Ozark

*Quantico

*Blacklist

Favorite Songs and Artists

King and Country

joy.

Home by Phillip Phillips

Whiskey in My Water by Tyler Farr

American Honey by Lady Antebellum

Wish I Knew You by the Revivalists

Blame it On Me by George Ezra

Budapest by George Ezra

 

Happy 2020!