In celebration of Latin Heritage Month, Robla School District is proud to highlight some of our amazing employees who are deeply connected to their heritage and make a positive impact on our community. We’ll be featuring several staff members throughout the month, so check back often for more spotlights!
Andrea Rodriguez – Proud Principal, Glenwood Elementary
Andrea Rodriguez, principal of Glenwood Elementary, is passionate about her heritage and the vibrant traditions it brings. Having served over the past three years as both an art teacher and now principal, Andrea loves the strong sense of community that Robla embodies.
Her favorite cultural celebration is Día de Muertos, where she honors her loved ones by hosting an annual family dinner featuring traditional molé. Andrea also brings her heritage into her work by organizing community events, incorporating cultural lessons in all grade levels, and displaying artwork that celebrates her roots.
Andrea deeply appreciates the diversity within Robla, where everyone comes together to support and uplift each other.
Cecilia Anguiano – BCOA Robla/Taylor
Cecilia Anguiano, a longtime member of the Robla team for 10 years, is proud of her cultural roots and family traditions. From celebrating Christmas and birthdays with piñatas and family games, to sharing stories of influential figures from her heritage with her students, Cecilia is committed to connecting her culture with the Robla community.
She loves how Robla serves families from diverse cultural backgrounds, helping to shape a brighter future for students. Cecilia also celebrates special occasions like Cinco de Mayo and Mexico’s Independence Day by wearing traditional attire, bringing her heritage to life at work.
Rossana Smith – Preschool Teacher, Robla Preschool
With over 17 years of service in Robla, Rossana Smith has grown from an Instructional Assistant to a Preschool Teacher. She takes great pride in her Paraguayan heritage, especially the strong women of her country and the rich cultural traditions. One of her favorite customs is sharing mate tea with friends and family, and she cherishes memories of Christmas in Paraguay, where the air is filled with the fragrance of coconut flowers and mangoes. Rossana loves the warmth of the Robla community and often shares her culture with colleagues by cooking traditional Paraguayan dishes.
Ramon Fajardo – Executive Assistant
Ramon Fajardo is passionate about celebrating the richness of his cultural heritage. From the lively music and dance to traditional foods like pozole and chile relleno, Ramon honors his roots through the planning and support of Latin Heritage parent empowerment dinners. These events provide opportunities for the Robla community to come together, celebrate shared traditions, and strengthen connections. Ramon admires Robla’s sense of togetherness and inclusivity, which ensures every student and family feels valued.
Stay tuned! Throughout Latin Heritage Month, we will continue to feature more of our incredible employees and their inspiring stories. Keep visiting our website to learn more about the unique traditions and backgrounds that contribute to the rich diversity of Robla School District.
Employee Spotlight: Claudia Medrano – Food Service Supervisor, District Office
How long have you worked in the Robla School District, and in which capacities?
Claudia has been a part of the Robla School District family for 11 years, starting as a Food Service Assistant, moving up to Kitchen Manager at Glenwood, and now serving as the Food Service Supervisor.
Why do you love your heritage?
She loves the values and traditions passed down through generations, which are an essential part of her identity.
What are your favorite foods, traditions, and celebrations?
Claudia’s favorite foods are Mexican dishes, including sopes de picadillo and birria. Her favorite tradition is celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve, where she and her family stay up all night playing card games, dancing, or watching movies.
What is something that you love about the Robla community?
To Claudia, Robla has become a second family. She has witnessed how the community comes together, especially during back-to-school season and holidays, helping those in need and building strong connections.
How do you share or celebrate your heritage at work?
Claudia shares her heritage with the community by serving her favorite traditional dishes, like Birria de Res, during special events. This dish is commonly served in Mexico during celebrations such as birthdays, baptisms, and weddings.
Employee Spotlight: Magie Gomez – McKinney-Vento Bilingual Community Outreach
How long have you worked in the Robla School District, and in which capacities?
Magie has been with Robla School District for 14 years, supporting the community as the McKinney-Vento Bilingual Community Outreach specialist.
Why do you love your heritage?
She values how her heritage helps shape her identity and sense of self. Magie also appreciates the positive values passed down to her through generations.
What are your favorite foods, traditions, and celebrations?
Magie’s favorite foods include chile rellenos and carnitas. One of her favorite traditions is making tamales during Christmas, even though she isn’t Mexican, as it brings generations together.
What is something that you love about the Robla community?
Coming from a large district, Magie loves the strong sense of community she has found in Robla.
How do you share or celebrate your heritage at work?
Magie enjoys working with students from Mexico, Central America, and South America, where she has the opportunity to share her Guatemalan traditions. She enjoys the diversity within the Latinx community, where every country celebrates in its own unique way.
Throughout Latin Heritage Month, we will continue to spotlight more of our incredible employees and their inspiring stories. Keep visiting our website to learn about the diverse cultures that make Robla School District such a vibrant and inclusive community.