Meet Alexandria Taylor

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandria Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandria, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence wasn’t born from ease, but forged through fire. As a third-generation Mexican-American, I was often the only brown face in a sea of white – first in classrooms as a student, then in the teacher’s lounge, and eventually in leadership positions. Rather than shrinking from this isolation, I used it as fuel.
The turning point came through intentional reconnection with my roots. Growing up with Spanish at home but English as my primary language created a kind of cultural in-betweenness. But instead of seeing this as a deficit, I made the deliberate choice to strengthen that connection – traveling to Costa Rica to master my heritage Spanish language. I then went on to conduct research in indigenous communities across Mexico, Spain and Morocco. Each of these experiences didn’t just build my cultural competency; they built my self competency.
My confidence crystallized through monumental experiences as a school leader. As Principal of Mundelein High School, I was fortunate to be part of meaningful change: contributing to a five-year strategic plan, working alongside our team to address a $2.8 million deficit, seeing our graduation rates increase by 6%, and supporting the passage of a $149.5 million referendum. These experiences taught me that the work itself – not just the outcomes – helped quiet those internal voices that had once made me question whether I belonged in these spaces. Each challenge we tackled as a school community became a small reminder that my contributions had value, even when I couldn’t always see it myself. But perhaps most powerfully, my confidence is rooted in purpose beyond myself. I found “strength in my culture, in the resilience passed down from my ancestors, and in the fierce determination to pave the way for others.” This shift from self-doubt to service – from asking “Do I belong here?” to declaring “I’m here to make sure others belong too” – is where my true confidence was born.
My leadership philosophy of “sí se puede” isn’t just inspirational rhetoric – it’s autobiography. I’ve lived the proof that yes, we can move from invisibility to insurgence, and that journey itself became the foundation of my confidence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What I do is illuminate pathways for educational leaders who have historically been overlooked, particularly Latina educators navigating systems that weren’t initially built for us. Through my research with Latina superintendents and assistant superintendents across Illinois, I’ve developed what I call the “5i Leadership Framework” – a roadmap that maps the journey from Invisibility through Indebtedness, Imposter Syndrome, and In-Betweenness, ultimately reaching Insurgence, where leaders fully embrace their power to transform the very systems that once held them back.
What makes this work so exciting to me is that it’s deeply personal and universally applicable at the same time. As a third-generation Mexican American who climbed from teacher to dean to principal, I’ve lived every stage of this framework. As a young latina leader, I grappling with invisibility and constantly negotiating my identity. But I also found strength in my cultural roots and the fierce determination to pave the way for others.
What sets my approach apart is the global perspective I bring to educational leadership. My research has taken me to remote indigenous communities in Mexico and Ecuador, and to educational communities in Spain and Morocco. These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of how cultural identity intersects with leadership effectiveness. I intentionally strengthened my connection to my heritage by mastering Spanish during my study abroad in Costa Rica, understanding that authentic leadership requires embracing all parts of who we are..
What I want people to know about the work I do is that it’s not just about individual success – it’s about systemic transformation. The 5i framework offers universal insights into the challenges faced by any marginalized group seeking to break through barriers. When we dare to lead from a place of authenticity, when we have the audacity to believe in the power of our own voices, there’s nothing we cannot achieve.
The most special aspect of this work is witnessing the moment when leaders move from self-doubt to service, from invisibility to insurgence, it embodies everything our educational institutions need in 21st-century leadership.
As I continue this educational and leadership journey, my message remains rooted in the wisdom of Dolores Huerta: “¡Sí Se Puede!” – Yes We Can! Because when we all have a seat at the table, when every voice is heard and valued, we can truly unleash the transformative power of education.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey from teacher to principal to superintendent, three qualities stand out as absolutely transformative:
1. Authentic Cultural Connection and Self-Knowledge
Early in my career, I felt caught between worlds – growing up with Spanish at home but English as my primary language. The most pivotal decision I made was to intentionally strengthen my connection to my cultural roots. I traveled to Costa Rica to master Spanish, conducted research in indigenous communities across Mexico and Ecuador, and studied educational systems in Spain and Morocco. This wasn’t just about language acquisition; it was about understanding that my cultural identity wasn’t something to apologize for or minimize, but rather a source of strength and perspective that enriched my leadership.
For early-career educators, I’d say: don’t run from who you are. Instead, lean into your authentic self and understand how your background – whatever it may be – brings unique value. If you’re from a marginalized community, study your own culture deeply. If you’re not, commit to understanding the communities you serve. Authenticity isn’t a weakness; it’s your superpower.
2. Data-Driven Strategic Thinking with Heart
Throughout my principalship, I learned that passion without measurable action plans is just good intentions. Whether we were closing a $2.8 million deficit, increasing graduation rates by 6%, or securing a $149.5 million referendum, I always approached challenges by creating manageable, measurable action plans with built-in metrics for accountability. But the data was never cold – it represented real students, real families, real futures.
My advice: Learn to love spreadsheets as much as you love students. Develop the skill to translate your vision into concrete, measurable steps. Take courses in data analysis, learn to read budgets, understand how to measure what matters. But never lose sight of the human story behind every number.
3. Resilience Through Purpose
The 5i framework I developed – moving through Invisibility, Indebtedness, Imposter Syndrome, In-Betweenness, and finally to Insurgence – taught me that resilience isn’t about bouncing back unchanged. It’s about moving forward transformed. My resilience grew strongest when I shifted from asking “Do I belong here?” to declaring “I’m here to make sure others belong too.” That sense of purpose beyond myself carried me through every moment of doubt.
For those starting out: find your “why” that’s bigger than your own advancement. Whether it’s the students who remind you of yourself, the community that raised you, or the future leaders you want to see at the table – let that purpose fuel you through the inevitable challenges. And remember, every barrier you break makes the path easier for those who follow.
The thread connecting all three is this: your journey isn’t just about you. When you lead with authenticity, strategic thinking, and purpose beyond yourself, you don’t just succeed – you transform the very systems that once held you back. ¡Sí se puede!

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Made me go to school and earn an education that nobody could take away 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Arios238
• Facebook: Alexandria Rios Taylor
• Linkedin: Dr Alexandria Rios Taylor
• Twitter: @alexandria_rios

Image Credits

Greg Ney