About this episode

In this episode, Jeff dives into a dynamic conversation with Susana Córdova, Colorado’s first Latina Education Commissioner, and Allen Smith, Cognia’s VP of Leadership Development. They discuss leadership, the significant changes in education post-COVID, the critical role of AI, and strategies to close educational inequities. Susana shares her inspiring career journey, her vision for the future of education, and actionable advice for leaders. Don’t miss this insightful look into leading through change and making a lasting impact in education.

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Susana Cordova & Allen Smith Leader Chat

In June 2023 Susana Córdova was named Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and the first Latina to hold the state’s top education position. Prior to being named commissioner, Córdova spent more than 30 years in education. She served as an assistant principal, principal, director, chief academic officer, chief schools officer, and deputy superintendent before becoming the superintendent of Denver Public Schools. She also served as deputy superintendent in Dallas ISD, the second-largest district in Texas.

Córdova grew up in Denver and was a student in the district she later went on to lead. She spent her entire student career in DPS and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1984. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Denver in 1988, Córdova became a bilingual language arts educator at the now-closed Horace Mann Middle School in Northwest Denver. She then taught at West High School before becoming an assistant principal at Bryant-Webster Elementary School and then principal of Remington Elementary School – all high-poverty schools on Denver’s west side. During her tenure as principal, Remington improved by more than 33% over four years on the state reading assessment.

Read more about Susana Córdova.

About Jeff Rose, Senior Vice President Leadership Development at Cognia
Forward-thinking executive leader with over 20 years of education experience (3X Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Principal, & Classroom Teacher), primed to support leaders in their pursuit of solving the most complicated educational problems of practice.