Portraits
of Heart
Strength. Hope. Resilience. Heart.
This is what we see through these 10 film portraits of education leaders across Texas. Their faces and words showcase their unwavering commitment to Texas’ 5.5 million students. Educators need your support to grow into stronger leaders who feel empowered to change public education for the better.
Dr. Lupita Hinojosa
Superintendent | Spring ISD
I'm a first generation Mexican American. Education made a difference in my life and in my family's life. It's my responsibility to do the same for my students. That gets me up every single day believing that, yes, I'm doing the right work, I'm in the right trenches to make a difference in our children's lives.
Holdsworth provides that space and time for us to think critically, to collaborate with other districts, to learn ideas from other fields that can translate to education. We have to be able to see the vision, to see what is possible for our students, to open the doors for our educators and prepare them well.
Dr. Lupita Hinojosa
Superintendent | Spring ISD
I'm a first generation Mexican American. Education made a difference in my life and in my family's life. It's my responsibility to do the same for my students. That gets me up every single day believing that, yes, I'm doing the right work, I'm in the right trenches to make a difference in our children's lives.
Holdsworth provides that space and time for us to think critically, to collaborate with other districts, to learn ideas from other fields that can translate to education. We have to be able to see the vision, to see what is possible for our students, to open the doors for our educators and prepare them well.
Betsy Berkebile
Principal, Short Elementary School | Arlington ISD
Schools are only as strong as the leaders. If I'm being reflective and thinking about how I can improve my leadership practices – be in the classroom more, coach more – that has a direct impact on students.
I feel proud to be a public educator in America. I think it's the hardest job in the world, but one of the most important. It's critical that we not only teach the fundamentals but what it means to be a good and kind person, what it means to take care of our world and one another.
Betsy Berkebile
Principal, Short Elementary School | Arlington ISD
Schools are only as strong as the leaders. If I'm being reflective and thinking about how I can improve my leadership practices – be in the classroom more, coach more – that has a direct impact on students.
I feel proud to be a public educator in America. I think it's the hardest job in the world, but one of the most important. It's critical that we not only teach the fundamentals but what it means to be a good and kind person, what it means to take care of our world and one another.
Jorge Barrera
District Bilingual Coach | Lamar CISD
I know there are many students like me who came to this country not speaking English. I think speaking another language is often seen as a bad thing. We don't take the time to see that these kids actually know a whole lot and have a lot to share. Being in a position where I can help bring that out in kids – it's just very neat that I get to do that.
I think what Holdsworth is doing is letting educators know, ‘Hey, we care. We're investing in you because you're the ones on the ground doing the teaching. We value what you’re doing and here are some tools to help you on that journey.’
Jorge Barrera
District Bilingual Coach | Lamar CISD
I know there are many students like me who came to this country not speaking English. I think speaking another language is often seen as a bad thing. We don't take the time to see that these kids actually know a whole lot and have a lot to share. Being in a position where I can help bring that out in kids – it's just very neat that I get to do that.
I think what Holdsworth is doing is letting educators know, ‘Hey, we care. We're investing in you because you're the ones on the ground doing the teaching. We value what you’re doing and here are some tools to help you on that journey.’
At The Holdsworth Center, we believe public school leaders are nation builders who are helping to shape our collective future and they deserve rigorous professional learning in a world-class setting.
Investing in public education leaders makes a difference. Not just for them, but for the staff, students, families and communities they serve and influence.
Jorge Barrera with students in Lamar CISD
Jorge Barrera with students in Lamar CISD
Melody Bradley
Special Education Coordinator, Grand Prairie High School | Grand Prairie ISD
My vision for public education is to be more of what students need. We need to get away from our traditional way of work and begin a new way forward, to put money where we know it's truly needed and produce programs that are geared to the 21st century.
Teachers make the magic happen and the rest of us are here to support them. We have to look at leadership that way. It’s not about who's in charge. It’s about us working together and taking the best ideas to create the best outcome for kids.
Melody Bradley
Special Education Coordinator, Grand Prairie High School | Grand Prairie ISD
My vision for public education is to be more of what students need. We need to get away from our traditional way of work and begin a new way forward, to put money where we know it's truly needed and produce programs that are geared to the 21st century.
Teachers make the magic happen and the rest of us are here to support them. We have to look at leadership that way. It’s not about who's in charge. It’s about us working together and taking the best ideas to create the best outcome for kids.
Dwan Joseph
Academic Trainer, Rolling Meadows Elementary | Judson ISD
Holdsworth helped me see that it’s not just the big people with titles who make an impact – I can make an impact. It is one of the best overall personal and professional development programs.
I know my purpose and my passion is to see kids be successful and to see my colleagues also win and grow. I've always thought if I lose that passion, it would be time for me to go. And I haven't lost that despite everything else going on.
Dwan Joseph
Academic Trainer, Rolling Meadows Elementary | Judson ISD
Holdsworth helped me see that it’s not just the big people with titles who make an impact – I can make an impact. It is one of the best overall personal and professional development programs.
I know my purpose and my passion is to see kids be successful and to see my colleagues also win and grow. I've always thought if I lose that passion, it would be time for me to go. And I haven't lost that despite everything else going on.
Monica Saldivar
Principal, Carver Early Education Center | Lockhart ISD
I am better because of the learning I’ve done at Holdsworth. I have evolved into a more in-tune kind of principal and I’m bringing the things I learn to my teachers and staff. Ultimately, students reap the benefits.
I'm committed to taking care of my staff, who in turn take care of students. That starts with making sure they're doing okay, that they're ready to tackle the day. That also means growing myself to ensure I am the leader they need. Knowing that I'm taking care of people drives me even on the toughest days.
Monica Saldivar
Principal, Carver Early Education Center | Lockhart ISD
I am better because of the learning I’ve done at Holdsworth. I have evolved into a more in-tune kind of principal and I’m bringing the things I learn to my teachers and staff. Ultimately, students reap the benefits.
I'm committed to taking care of my staff, who in turn take care of students. That starts with making sure they're doing okay, that they're ready to tackle the day. That also means growing myself to ensure I am the leader they need. Knowing that I'm taking care of people drives me even on the toughest days.
At The Holdsworth Center, we are proud to have supported 867 educators in 2022 through our best-in-class leadership programs.
Investing in public education leaders makes a difference. Not just for them, but for the staff, students, families and communities they serve and influence.
2022 graduates of the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program
2022 graduates of the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program
Dr. Gonzalo Salazar
Superintendent | Los Fresnos CISD
It's said that leadership is the art of getting others to go where they would otherwise not go. My thinking has shifted on that. Lasting leadership creates the circumstances in which people want to change themselves. That's when you really begin to have an impact on the organization.
In Holdsworth, you learn things about yourself that you didn't know. You learn better ways to deliver for kids. You’ll never regret this investment because you’ll see a return.
Dr. Gonzalo Salazar
Superintendent | Los Fresnos CISD
It's said that leadership is the art of getting others to go where they would otherwise not go. My thinking has shifted on that. Lasting leadership creates the circumstances in which people want to change themselves. That's when you really begin to have an impact on the organization.
In Holdsworth, you learn things about yourself that you didn't know. You learn better ways to deliver for kids. You’ll never regret this investment because you’ll see a return.
Imelda Trevino
Principal, Cano Freshman Academy | Harlingen CISD
Our students today are challenging the standards we've had forever. They're challenging the way our society runs and sees itself and treats people. And while that's difficult in the moment, it makes me hopeful this generation is going to shift our society for the better.
Going through the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program has really shifted my gears – when you know better, you do better. The investment Holdsworth has made in me makes me feel valued. It makes me feel seen.
Imelda Trevino
Principal, Cano Freshman Academy | Harlingen CISD
Our students today are challenging the standards we've had forever. They're challenging the way our society runs and sees itself and treats people. And while that's difficult in the moment, it makes me hopeful this generation is going to shift our society for the better.
Going through the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program has really shifted my gears – when you know better, you do better. The investment Holdsworth has made in me makes me feel valued. It makes me feel seen.
Dr. Matt Varnell
Principal, Gunn Junior High School | Arlington ISD
The kids who walk into this building every day come from a million different places with a million different stories. I'm hopeful because of the teachers and staff in the trenches right now – they are still fighting, their hearts are committed, their effort is big and they want to make a difference. That inspires me to work hard every day.
As educators, we spend most of our time pouring into other people. Very seldom do I feel like I get poured back into. The Holdsworth experience poured genuine connection and compassion into me. It's like coasting into the gas station on fumes and filling back up the tank.
Dr. Matt Varnell
Principal, Gunn Junior High School | Arlington ISD
The kids who walk into this building every day come from a million different places with a million different stories. I'm hopeful because of the teachers and staff in the trenches right now – they are still fighting, their hearts are committed, their effort is big and they want to make a difference. That inspires me to work hard every day.
As educators, we spend most of our time pouring into other people. Very seldom do I feel like I get poured back into. The Holdsworth experience poured genuine connection and compassion into me. It's like coasting into the gas station on fumes and filling back up the tank.
Dr. Alfred James
Principal, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School | Spring ISD
I'm grateful for the experience I've had with Holdsworth in the sense that I feel empowered and affirmed. It changed me tremendously, especially working with my coach. That investment in me pours down to the teachers because I am empowering and coaching them and they are doing the same for students, which ultimately impacts achievement.
I think people sometimes believe there's a script that we follow as educators. Yes, there are lesson plans, but there is no one way to reach a goal and no quick fixes. There's a lot that goes into reaching goals and helping people be successful, whether it's students or adults.
Dr. Alfred James
Principal, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School | Spring ISD
I'm grateful for the experience I've had with Holdsworth in the sense that I feel empowered and affirmed. It changed me tremendously, especially working with my coach. That investment in me pours down to the teachers because I am empowering and coaching them and they are doing the same for students, which ultimately impacts achievement.
I think people sometimes believe there's a script that we follow as educators. Yes, there are lesson plans, but there is no one way to reach a goal and no quick fixes. There's a lot that goes into reaching goals and helping people be successful, whether it's students or adults.
When educators come to The Holdsworth Center for learning sessions, they leave with strategies and tools to help them become stronger leaders and deliver better results for students.
Investing in public education leaders makes a difference. Not just for them, but for the staff, students, families and communities they serve and influence.
Dr. Alfred James with Wunsche Sr. High School staff
Dr. Alfred James with Wunsche Sr. High School staff
About the Artist
Liz Moskowitz is an Austin-based photographer and filmmaker. Liz has 15 years of experience working on editorial assignments, grant-funded personal projects and portraiture-driven stories for cause-driven clients. Her work aims to honor the dignity and nuance of people, places and issues. She approaches each individual and community she documents with intentionality and an open mind.
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