In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating three women who are making an impact in our community. I am inspired by these individuals, who, in addition to engaging in meaningful work and persevering through individual and systemic barriers, are humble and caring individuals. I am honored to share a snippet of their stories, and I hope it inspires you to celebrate the visible and invisible accomplishments of women in and beyond your communities.
MONICA ANZO
Monica Anzo is the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services in the Alisal Union School District. While this is her third year as Associate Superintendent, she has worked in the district for 25 years in various roles, beginning as a classroom teacher before moving into coaching and leadership roles. This year, Monica’s work impacts approximately 7,500 Alisal students. Monica grew up in the Salinas Valley and has a passion for supporting all students in and beyond their educational experiences.
When Monica started her career as a classroom teacher, she had not envisioned leaving the classroom to pursue leadership opportunities, that is, until she encountered a mentor in the district who opened her eyes to the possibilities beyond teaching and encouraged her to consider broadening her impact by stepping into leadership. At the time Monica took on the role of principal, most principals were men, and over time, Monica has seen a shift in supporting and promoting more female educators into leadership roles. While she might be too humble to take credit for this change, I believe it is a product of her leadership and advocacy in the cabinet that has elevated the voices and perspectives of female educators. In addition to mentorship, Monica highlighted the importance for women and women of color to build a network of support to include individuals who understand similar challenges and can give reassurance in moments of discouragement.
One theme that emerged in my conversation with Monica was relationships. Whether as a teacher connecting with students; a principal building relationships with staff, parents, and students; or a district leader bridging community, policy, and leadership, Monica leads with care and relationships. Monica’s advice: Don’t be so hard on yourself. With the right support and self-coaching, you can take on a bigger role and make a wider impact than you can imagine. We are fortunate for the mentorship and encouragement Monica received in her career as she now brings to life a vision for a better future for students, families, teachers, and principals.
TINA NIETO
Sheriff Tina Nieto currently serves as Monterey County’s Sheriff-Coroner and was sworn into that role in 2022. She has led the way as the first Latina sheriff in the history of the State of California and had to overcome many barriers, in particular, choosing to join law enforcement 35 years ago when there were even fewer women in law enforcement. Tina is committed to her work and making change, specifically finding joy in entering difficult and chaotic situations and looking back to see all the improvements and positive changes she has made.
Tina told a story about Kobe, her German shepherd rescue dog, who was likely abused as a puppy and was injured. She explained her experience working with a trainer, who Tina felt was incorrectly labeling Kobe. Throughout Tina’s life, people have labeled her, predetermining what she could or could not do, so Kobe was like an extension of her lived experience. Like Tina’s story, Kobe’s is a tale of resiliency and love.
Tina emphasized the importance of a support system of people who love all of you. In Tina’s words, “When you are breaking barriers in a profession or making lasting change, you can have some really tough days, and knowing that those people who are your support system will be there when the day ends gives you the energy to keep going.” From her hope for a future where people can learn to disagree and find common ground for the common good to the stories she shared about her family, Tina’s deep empathy for people and animals alike comes through.
WENDY ROOT ASKEW
Supervisor Wendy Root Askew serves as the Monterey County District 4 Supervisor, representing the communities of Sand City, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, East Garrison, CSUMB, Salinas, and Seaside. She is in her first term, specifically in her third year of a four-year term. Wendy is a fourth-generation Monterey County resident and is passionate about making life better for children and families now and in the future.
While juggling the many demands of her role and personal life, Wendy continues to ensure that she brings the voices, including the needs, hopes, dreams, and struggles, of hardworking parents into every decision-making space. While the work is challenging, she loves the deep challenge of the work, navigating multi-jurisdictional challenges, which often come with long histories of dynamic personalities and complex relationships and competing stakeholders without easy or clear solutions. She looks at these issues and enjoys thinking through strategies to navigate toward solutions. She has honed the skills necessary to navigate these spaces in a productive and solutions-oriented way.
Running for office places immense pressure on candidates, something that observing at a distance makes me sweat. Despite the many challenges and fears, Wendy shared how life-affirming the experience of running for office was for her. She recalls how in her first campaign events she felt terrified and her voice audibly shook. Though it was a daunting experience, she looks back now and believes it was an incredible time and opportunity for growth. Wendy shared, “Brené Brown says you have to be in the arena to grow, and I was definitely in the arena.” While looking back on the rollercoaster of an experience, especially given this transition happening during the pandemic, I can sense the confidence and passion Wendy has in her role as well as her appreciation for the opportunity. Our neighborhoods continue to benefit and improve because of Wendy’s willingness to be vulnerable and brave in order to impact lives and communities through policy.
DENISE GREEN has worked in education for over a decade, specializing in mathematics pedagogy and professional development. She, her husband, and their two rambunctious children reside in the sunny hills off Highway 68.
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