I'd like to extend a warm welcome back to all our E Basis members. I hope you had a restful break, spent quality time with loved ones, and feel recharged.
As we kick off another year, I'm excited to share this year's logo and theme:
Leading for Impact means making a significant and positive difference through your leadership. It's about achieving meaningful results and influencing people or projects in a way that creates lasting, beneficial change. As leaders, this is something we do every day. As you lead for impact, remember to practice self-care and do something nice for yourself daily. I look forward to serving as your President this coming year and wish you a successful new year.
Join ACSA Region 16's Dr. Simone Charles, Principal of Whitman Continuation as she shares exactly how her team transformed outcomes, without lowering expectations.
We are excited to invite you to the ACSA Region 16 LA Dodgers Day on June 19, 2025, as the Dodgers take on the Padres. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great company, food, and fun!
Dr. John White, retired LAUSD principal and lifelong advocate for educational excellence, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Retired Administrator of the Year. With 35 years of dedicated service in Los Angeles Unified and 25 years of ACSA membership, Dr. White’s leadership legacy is defined by collaboration, equity, and the belief that all children deserve a high-quality education—regardless of circumstance.
Ivania Holodnak, Principal of Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, is recognized as a 2025 ACSA Region 16 Honoree for her extraordinary leadership and 30 years of unwavering service in LA Unified. As a proud ACSA member for the past three years, Ivania leads with a rare combination of vision, heart, and dedication to student empowerment.
Nerina Facio, Assistant Principal at Northridge Middle School, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year. A proud LAUSD graduate and lifelong educator, Nerina’s 23-year journey—from paraprofessional to assistant principal—is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Gabriel Ortega, Principal of Sepulveda Middle School, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Middle School Administrator of the Year. With 28 years of service in LA Unified and over a decade of active membership in ACSA, Gabriel is celebrated for his impactful leadership, steady mentorship, and commitment to creating learning environments where all students are encouraged to rise and thrive.
Ritma Estupiñan, Assistant Principal at Canoga Park Elementary, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year. A proud LAUSD alum and lifelong educator, Ritma’s 22-year journey—from teacher assistant to assistant principal—exemplifies what it means to lead with gratitude, heart, and deep community ties.