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2025 Administrator of the Year Awards Recipients

A message from ACSA Region 16 President

Dear LAUSD Principals,

On behalf of ACSA Region 16, I extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment. Your leadership is the cornerstone of our schools, shaping the educational experiences of countless students and fostering a positive environment for your schools.

Your role extends far beyond the traditional definition of "principal." You are visionaries, mentors, problem-solvers, counselors, custodians, you name it, we do it all. You navigate complex challenges with grace and resilience, always keeping the best interests of your students in mind. I recognize the immense responsibilities you shoulder, the long hours you dedicate, and the sacrifices you make. Your work is not always visible, but its impact is profound and far-reaching. You are the heart and soul of our schools.

Thank you for your leadership, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. ACSA Region 16 is proud to support you, and we celebrate you today and every day.

Sincerely,
Dr. Piedad Sanchez
ACSA Region 16 President

Read the rest of Dr. Piedad Sanchez' message

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2025 Administrator of the Year Awards

The ACSA Region 16 Administrator of the Year Awards Banquet honors exceptional educational leaders for their service, vision, and impact.

2025 Retired Administrator of the Year: Dr. John White

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.

2025 ACSA Secondary Administrator of the Year: Ivania Holodnak

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.

2025 Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year: Nerina Facio

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.

2025 Middle School Administrator of the Year: Gabriel Ortega

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.

2025 Co-Administrator of the Year: Ritma Estupiñan

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.

Student Services Administrator of the Year: Brenda Pensamiento

2025 ACSA Region 16 Student Services Administrator of the Year. With 30 years of service, over a decade in ACSA, and a legacy rooted in both cultural pride and districtwide advocacy, Brenda has dedicated her life to helping students become the best versions of themselves.

2025 Valuing Diversity Award Honoree: Dr. Simone Charles

Dr. Simone R. Charles, Principal of Wonderful Whitman Continuation High School—a recently named Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education—is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Valuing Diversity Award honoree. A fierce advocate for equity, community, and transformation, Dr. Charles also serves as Chairperson of the ACSA Region 16 Equity Council.

2025 Special Education Administrator of the Year: Jennifer McConn

Jennifer McConn, Special Education Administrator for Region South, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Special Education Administrator of the Year. With 23 years of service in LAUSD and five years as an ACSA Region 16 member, Jennifer is recognized for her passionate advocacy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—receive a quality education.