Latino Leaders

Culturally Responsive Leadership with Diurca Lugo-Tomasella

Pablo Muñoz Episode 119

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0:00 | 38:26

Join host Pablo Muñoz for an engaging conversation with his featured guest — Diurca Lugo-Tomasella.

Diurca is the founding principal of Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School in Waterbury, Connecticut.  She is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in bilingual, regular, and Spanish education.  Diurca is an award-winning principal honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents for her outstanding leadership in bilingual education.

1:03 - Introduction

2:14 - My Leadership Story

15:45 - Dual Language School

19:30 - Culturally Responsive Leadership

21:51 - Ensuring Every Child Achieves

24:42 - Focus on the Whole Child

27:12 - Resilience, Adaptability, and High Expectations

29:23 - Mindset and Instruction

32:34 - Guiding Principles

Diurca Lugo-Tomasella is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) with professional development training in the major areas of world-class schooling, vision, and goals.  She was awarded the Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC) National Principal Fellowship 2024.  Diurca is an active member of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).

Diurca received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Western Connecticut State University.  She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport.  Diurca was awarded the Superintendent’s Impact of the Year Award 2026 by the Waterbury Public Schools.

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/diurca-lugo-tomasella-9b61064a

Email:  dtomasella@waterbury.k12.ct.us


Latino Leaders is an award-winning podcast that was named a Silver Winner in the 4th Annual Signal Awards.

Latino Leaders publishes new episodes weekly on Mondays.

Latino Leaders podcast is a production of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization.

Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker who is also the author of The Leader’s Algorithm.

For additional information visit:  themunozcompany.com

Purchase The Leader’s Algorithmthemunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm

Learn more about Pablo:  themunozcompany.com/pablo-munoz

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1

Email:  pablo@themunozcompany.com