“I’m Mexican American and Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating culture, recognition, and success. I identify as Chicana, a realization I came to through a lot of soul-searching. For many of our students, this journey of self-discovery is also incredibly important.”
"My job is to teach and live the values and remind them that the moment you learn something you can’t unlearn it. Your education is yours and no one can take it from you once you have it. Develop your skills, and become the best version of yourself."
By emphasizing the values and celebrating students’ cultural backgrounds, she builds community and inclusion. “Motivation is key,” she says, “We discuss setting goals, we talk about willpower and ganas. Understanding the values doesn’t happen overnight. Every year values get stronger in words and action. Values are meant to be embedded in purpose, in everyday life.”
Lucia believes educators must actively engage in their students' lives to understand their unique backgrounds and aspirations. “I listen to their recommendations,” she explains. “I eat where they eat. I see what they see. And that is how we all discover the values.” For Lucia, participation, rather than mere observation, is crucial for establishing meaningful connections with students and their families.
"It’s important to be a participant at Value Schools, not just observer. Participation means being open and willing to understand. Becoming a participant means we can better see our challenges. We can better understand our community. We need to be with stakeholders when we are making decisions. Being present is to be invested.”
Lucia's journey hasn’t been solitary. She credits the powerful women by her side who have helped her along the way. “There is a large group of strong Latina women who have helped make a way for me. I see mentors in Carla Vazquez and Vanessa Navarro. Carla gave me my start, and I inherited many of Navarro’s roles. People often said, ‘those are big shoes to fill.’ I tell them I can’t fill those shoes – I’ve put them in a decorative box and placed them on a pedestal where they belong.”
Lucia’s colleagues have much to say about her experience and strength as an educator. Carla Vazquez, Vice Principal at University Prep Value, says of Lucia, “She doesn't just speak the values of our school—she lives them every single day. I had no doubt she would be the perfect person to work with students like ours. Lucia has not only developed her own potential, but she has also nurtured and expanded that of her students."
"Watching her grow into the leader and mentor she is today has been incredible, and I’m constantly in awe of the impact she continues to make.”
– Carla Vazquez, Vice Principal at UPVHS, about Lucia Gomez
"I am a huge fan of Lucia, truly an exceptional woman!!"
– Vanessa Navarro, Dean at UPVHS, about Lucia Gomez
Lucia illustrates how engagement transforms the educational experience, creating a collaborative effort among students, families, and the school community. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are celebrated, she empowers our students to become active learners and advocates. Through participation, Lucia not only enriches her classroom but also strengthens the bond between the school and the community, reminding us that the potential and importance of education is a lifelong journey.