Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Joins Women Leading Ed Advisory Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2025
Aldine ISD Superintendent Brings Powerful Record & Commitment to Supporting Women in Education Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Women Leading Ed, the nation’s largest bipartisan nonprofit network dedicated to advancing women in education leadership, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine Independent School District (TX), to its prestigious Advisory Board. Composed of top state and district leaders, the Advisory Board guides Women Leading Ed in its mission to cultivate bold, visionary leaders who are ready to tackle the toughest challenges states and districts face and make a lasting impact.
“This is a full-circle moment,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder and CEO of Women Leading Ed. “I recruited Dr. Goffney to be a member of a previous organization years ago and I’ve watched her lead boldly and with impact every year since. She’s been in my corner and a champion of Women Leading Ed since day one, and now she’s helping shape what’s next for this powerful network. She’s a leader who sets the standard and constantly elevates it. I am incredibly proud and grateful to welcome her to the Advisory Board.”
“Women Leading Ed has always stood for bold leadership that delivers real results for students and schools,” said Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “It’s an honor to serve this network of women who don’t just talk about change, they lead it. I’m deeply committed to supporting the highly capable, skilled women leading our schools and systems across the country. These are the leaders our students and communities need, and I’m proud to stand alongside my fellow Advisory Board Members to help ensure that they are recognized and elevated across their leadership journeys.”
Dr. Goffney has led the 60,000-student Aldine Independent School District in Houston, TX since 2019. She began her career as a teacher in the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District and became superintendent of the district in 2008. Prior to her current position, she was Superintendent of Lufkin Independent School District from 2013 to 2018 and was named Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2018.
“Dr. Goffney has a demonstrated record of impact across multiple districts, and is a prime example of how leaders can not just endure in top jobs, but thrive in them, ” said Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Women Leading Ed Fiduciary Board Chair and Advisory Board Member. “She’s not only delivered for the systems she has served, she’s also actively supported the next generation of women leaders. She leads with vision, integrity, and a deep belief in the potential of the woman called to lead our state and district education systems. She is a powerful addition to the WLE Advisory Board.”
Dr. Goffney joins the Advisory Board as Women Leading Ed continues its rapid growth, with more than 500 members across all 50 states serving in systems that support almost half of the nation’s public school students. Fellow Advisory Board members include:
Kirsten Baesler – Superintendent, North Dakota Department of Public Education
Dr. Susana Córdova – Commissioner, Colorado Department of Education
Dr. Margaret Crespo – Superintendent-in-Residence, ILO Group and former superintendent
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis – Superintendent, Cherokee County School District, GA
Dr. Susan Enfield – Executive Director, University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership and former superintendent
Angélica Infante-Green – Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Education
Emily Hartnett, Executive Director, Women Leading Ed
Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell – Superintendent Emeritus, Oakland Unified School District, CA
Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer – CEO and Founder, Women Leading Ed
Dr. LaTanya McDade – Superintendent, Prince William County Public Schools, VA
Dr. Denise Watts – Superintendent, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, GA
Dr. Goffney’s appointment strengthens Women Leading Ed’s ongoing efforts to grow, support, and connect the women who are leading some of the most complex and high-impact systems in the country. Her experience and vision reflect why the Women Leading Ed network exists: to identify, develop, and sustain highly capable women leaders across the country.
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More about Dr. Julia Rafal Baer, CEO and founder, Women Leading Ed
Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, is a distinguished leader in education with a formidable two-decade career marked by creating and leading initiatives that have profoundly impacted nearly every student nationwide. Her leadership in founding and implementing transformative programs such as Women Leading Ed, the Forum for Educational Leadership, Future Chiefs, and Women in Leadership has shaped the landscape of education leadership across the United States. Dr. Rafal-Baer serves on numerous boards, including her two-time appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Her work has been spotlighted by leading media outlets, and she is frequently invited to speak at national forums, legislative bodies, and educational conferences across the country.
More about Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed (WLE) is the largest national nonprofit network of women in education leadership. WLE is committed to supporting and advancing women in education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed is taking on the big challenges facing the field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate. Women Leading Ed is committed to identifying, developing and sustaining the next generation of leadership and shaping the public dialogue about education leadership more broadly using research and storytelling.
WLE is guided by a prestigious advisory board that includes:
Kirsten Baesler – Superintendent, North Dakota Department of Public Education
Dr. Susana Córdova – Commissioner, Colorado Department of Education
Dr. Margaret Crespo – Superintendent-in-Residence, ILO Group
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis – Superintendent, Cherokee County School District, GA
Dr. Susan Enfield – Superintendent-in-Residence, ILO Group
Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney – Superintendent, Aldine Independent School District, TX
Angélica Infante-Green – Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Education
Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell – Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District, CA
Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer – CEO and Founder, Women Leading Ed
Dr. LaTanya McDade – Superintendent, Prince William County Public Schools, VA
Dr. Denise Watts – Superintendent, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, GA
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Women Leading Ed to Serve as 2025-26 Google GSV Fellowship Coaching Partner
July 23, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Women Leading Ed will again collaborate with the Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship by providing high-impact, personalized coaching experiences to the national community of district and state education leaders. Through this partnership, Women Leading Ed’s powerhouse network of current and former top district and state leaders join the community of support surrounding each Fellow — helping to equip them with the insight, strategy, and support needed to drive change at the cutting edge of education and technology
“At Women Leading Ed, we believe coaching should be transformational and intentionally focused on advancing leadership at every level,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, Women Leading Ed Founder and CEO. “Our work with the Google GSV Fellows is about more than supporting leadership, it’s about supercharging it. These are leaders navigating complex systems, making high-stakes decisions every day. Our coaching gives them the space, mindset shifts, and challenges they need to lead boldly and deliver results that matter for kids. We’re honored to support this extraordinary network of leaders.”
This past year, 21 WLE Network members, including men from the male ally board, provided tailored coaching to 25 Fellows throughout the year. WLE Network member coaching and support provided fellows with both strategic insight and a sounding board for leadership challenges along the way.
“It is a deeply rewarding and personally enriching experience to serve once again as a Women Leading Ed coach,” said Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools and returning coach. “The Google GSV Fellows are relentless in their drive to innovate for students, and this coaching gives them the strategic focus and support to turn that ambition into meaningful, lasting change.”
“What began as a bold vision—partnering with system-level leaders to drive innovation at scale—has grown into a powerful ecosystem of strategy, connection, and shared leadership,” said Tiffany Taylor, Partner & Co-President of the ASU+GSV Summit. “Executive coaching has been one of the most transformative elements of the Fellowship experience, offering seasoned leaders the space to reflect, challenge assumptions, and sharpen their strategies alongside trusted peers. Jennie Magiera (Global Head of Education Impact at Google) and I, along with the fellowship team, are grateful to collaborate with Women Leading Ed—under the leadership of Julia Rafal-Baer—to bring that vision to life.”
Now in its third year, the Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship aims to advance the work of K-12 superintendents and top-level instructional leaders dedicated to using technology as a lever for innovation and impact. The 32 fellows that comprise the 2025-2026 fellowship cohort collectively serve some 3.8 million students in top jobs at both the district and state levels.
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More about Dr. Julia Rafal Baer, CEO and founder, Women Leading Ed
Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, is a distinguished leader in education with a formidable two-decade career marked by creating and leading initiatives that have profoundly impacted nearly every student nationwide. Her leadership in founding and implementing transformative programs such as Women Leading Ed, the Forum for Educational Leadership, Future Chiefs, and Women in Leadership has shaped the landscape of education leadership across the United States. Dr. Rafal-Baer serves on numerous boards, including her two-time appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Her work has been spotlighted by leading media outlets, and she is frequently invited to speak at national forums, legislative bodies, and educational conferences across the country.
More about Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed (WLE) is the largest national nonprofit network of women in education leadership. WLE is committed to supporting and advancing women in education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed is taking on the big challenges facing the field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate. Women Leading Ed is committed to fearlessly advocating for greater representation of women in education leadership, and shaping the public dialogue about education leadership more broadly using research and storytelling.
WLE is guided by a prestigious advisory board that includes:
Kirsten Baesler – Superintendent, North Dakota Department of Public Education
Dr. Susana Córdova – Commissioner, Colorado Department of Education
Dr. Margaret Crespo – Superintendent-in-Residence, ILO Group
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis – Superintendent, Cherokee County School District, GA
Dr. Susan Enfield – Superintendent-in-Residence, ILO Group
Angélica Infante-Green – Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Education
Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell – Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District, CA
Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer – CEO and Founder, Women Leading Ed
Dr. LaTanya McDade – Superintendent, Prince William County Public Schools, VA
Dr. Denise Watts – Superintendent, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, GA
More about GSV
GSV is a global platform fueling scaled innovation in “PreK to Gray” education and workforce skills to ensure that ALL people have equal access to the future. The platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit (founded 2010) and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV (founded 2024). GSV Ventures (founded 2016), the platform's investment arm, is a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on the $7+ trillion global education and workforce skills sector.
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Announcing the Launch of the WLE Emerging State Executives Network
August 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As states prepare for pivotal shifts in education leadership driven by upcoming gubernatorial elections, Women Leading Ed, the largest national nonprofit of women in education leadership, announces the launch of WLE Emerging State Executives Network, a groundbreaking and highly-selective initiative designed to identify, invest in, and elevate the next generation of women state education leaders at State Education Agencies (SEAs) across the country.
Not just about leadership development, this exclusive program for aspiring state executives is about shaping the future of education across the nation by empowering women to step into top roles and drive enduring change. The highly selective, inaugural cohort will support a group of women currently or previously in SEA and local district roles interested in advancing to senior executive state-level positions. Through powerful experiences and exposure to the top leaders in the field, selected participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and build a robust network of colleagues and peers along the way.
“Women in education leadership are powering transformational change every single day, but the path to impactful leadership on the state level is full of roadblocks,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder and CEO of Women Leading Ed.
“The reality of gender inequality in education leadership and the political challenges that state leaders face are pronounced. But with the right experience, skill development, and support, women in these positions advance critical policy change, systemic improvements, and strategic initiatives that drive student success and strengthen schools and communities. WLE ESE will provide those experiences, sharpen those key skills, and deliver exactly the support women who are in or aspire to be in state leadership need to realize their biggest bets and improve entire education systems for the long-term.”
WLE ESE is seeking dedicated and proven women leaders who are ready to step into high-level SEA positions. Participants will receive free lifelong membership in the Women Leading Ed network, admittance to the Forum for Educational Leadership, enrollment in a cohort-based SEA Network Community of Practice, and intensive one-on-one coaching and individualized support from exceptional leaders.
For more information or to nominate a rising state leader, visit https://www.womenleadinged.org/emerging-state-executives.
More about Dr. Julia Rafal Baer
The driving force behind this new program, Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, is a distinguished leader in education with a formidable two-decade career marked by creating and leading initiatives that have profoundly impacted nearly every student nationwide. Her leadership in founding and implementing transformative programs such as Women Leading Ed, the Forum for Educational Leadership, Future Chiefs and Women in Leadership has shaped the landscape of education leadership across the United States. Dr. Rafal-Baer serves on numerous boards, including her appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Her work has been spotlighted by leading media outlets, and she is frequently invited to speak at national forums, legislative bodies, and educational conferences across the country.
More about Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed (WLE) is the largest national nonprofit network of women in education leadership. WLE is committed to supporting and advancing female education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed is taking on the big challenges facing our field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate. Women Leading Ed is committed to fearlessly advocating for greater representation of women in education leadership, and shaping the public dialogue about gender equality in leadership more broadly using research and storytelling.
What Top Women in Education Leaders Are Saying About WLE ESE
Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District, Women Leading Ed Board Chair:
“As board chair of Women Leading Ed, I have seen firsthand the essential way that WLE cultivates the kind of leadership our systems need–today and going forward. WLE ESE will help ensure that more women are in position to deliver the strong, visionary leadership we need at the state level, ultimately taking on the highest roles, and driving lasting change.”
Dr. Susana Córdova, Colorado Commissioner of Education:
“The WLE Emerging State Executives Network is not just an initiative; it's aimed at building a real movement. It's about empowering women to rise into leadership roles where they can positively advance state education policies. By investing in the next generation of state leaders, we help secure the future of our schools and students.”
Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education:
“The WLE ESE is a game-changer for women in education leadership, those already working at the state level and those who aspire to enter SEA roles. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for these emerging leaders to gain the skills and support they need to overcome challenges and champion meaningful change. The ripple effects of this initiative will be felt across the nation as these leaders step into their power.”
Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction:
“Leading at the state level demands resilience, sound judgment, and a robust network of trusted colleagues. The WLE ESE program offers exactly that—a solid foundation for women to develop their leadership skills and take on greater responsibilities with confidence. I'm excited to see how this program will inspire and equip women to drive the next wave of educational innovation.”
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Women Leading Ed Receives National Funding to Diversify Education Leadership
September 28, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Women Leading Ed (WLE), a national network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states, announced its inclusion in a distinguished national cohort of organizations focused on diversifying the education workforce.
NewSchools Venture Fund, a leading venture philanthropy that funds innovators who are building a better PK-12 education system, has awarded Women Leading Ed with new grant funding and support. NewSchools investment will enable Women Leading Ed to embark on ambitious new efforts aimed at advancing more women in education leadership.
“We are grateful for this difference-making commitment from NewSchools to Women Leading Ed’s essential work,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder of Women Leading Ed. “This funding is a testament to the promise and power of women in education leadership and the need to rapidly accelerate our efforts to address the gender gap in education leadership, empower those women already in leadership, and build the pipeline for the talented women who will be tomorrow’s state and district superintendents.”
Women Leading Ed first began as an affinity group of seasoned and aspiring female education leaders with a desire to learn from one another and grow in their careers. Since its inception, it has grown into a national network of dynamic leaders powering change in the face of education leadership. The members of WLE believe that the underrepresentation of women and women of color in education leadership is an urgent issue that demands action. Well over 200 women have been supported by WLE in navigating the politics of education by building trust, relationship, and networks.
Along with financial support, WLE will benefit from NewSchools’ expertise, resources, and influential network. This partnership will bolster WLE’s capacity to drive meaningful change within the field of education. NewSchools provides management assistance and a national community of practice to support grantees and their success.
Learn more about Women Leading Ed at www.womenleadinged.com and follow on social media @WomenLeadingEd.
About Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed (WLE) is a nationwide network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states in our nation. WLE has supported over 200 women (and counting) to navigate the politics of leadership through research, advocacy, coaching, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys.
About NewSchools
NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education. We believe that philanthropy can advance education in a more equitable, collaborative, and courageous way — and we’re proving it every day. Learn more at newschools.org.
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Margaret Crespo Appointed Women Leading Ed’s Inaugural Superintendent-in-Residence
August 8, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - Women Leading Ed has named Dr. Margaret Crespo as its inaugural superintendent-in-residence. Women Leading Ed is a national network committed to supporting and advancing female education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed serves over 200 aspiring and sitting district and state superintendents representing over 9 million students and 600,000 teachers across the nation. Women Leading Ed is taking on the challenges facing our field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate through a variety of opportunities including individual and group coaching, crisis response supports, access to experts, facilitated peer networking, and cohort-model professional development.
Crespo most recently served as superintendent of Laramie County School District 1 in Wyoming (LCSD1).
“The underrepresentation of women in K-12 education leadership is at a critical point. Women make up the vast majority of the education workforce, but less than a third of the country’s school district superintendents are women. Margaret Crespo has been an inspiration and model of leadership for countless women in education and it is only fitting that she joins WLE as our first superintendent-in-residence,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, CEO of ILO Group and founder of Women Leading Ed. “Margaret understands the challenges women face. As a superintendent in a charged political environment, she held strong to core values that put kids first. As we commit to doing the hard work to create a lasting network of women leaders in education, Margaret’s battle-tested experience will undoubtedly shape the way we approach education in the U.S.”
“I am thrilled to take on this challenge with Women Leading Ed. As an education leader, I have focused my entire career on the simple premise that our kids deserve to be seen in the classroom and every child should have a clear sense of what they can be and what they can achieve,” said Dr. Margaret Crespo, Superintendent-in-Residence of Women Leading Ed. “By building a network of women leaders and elevating sponsorship opportunities for aspiring leaders, we can indeed confront the biggest challenges and most urgent threats facing our educational systems.”
Crespo is widely regarded by her peers in education leadership. While serving as superintendent of LCSD1, Crespo confronted and effectively managed a highly volatile political culture and earned praise for holding tight to core values that prioritized student interests and wellbeing over agendas driven by adults. Under Crespo’s leadership, LCSD1 saw increases in second language student scores and acquisition of English and almost tripled the number of students accessing career tech education courses and college dual enrollment credit.
Before taking on the role in Wyoming, Crespo held a number of high-ranking education positions in Arizona and Colorado where she previously served as Area Superintendent of the Boulder Valley School District under Superintendent Rob Anderson. She started her career in education as a classroom teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey. Crespo has supported Women Leading Ed as a coach and cohort leader since its inception.
Outside of education, Crespo owns and cares for horses and other animals. She and her family own Indigo Mountain Ranch, an organization that uses animal-to-human interactions to support children, youth, military families, and families in need of therapeutic reconnection.
About Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed is an ever-expanding national network for women superintendents and those who aspire to land the top CEO roles in districts and states. We've supported over 100 women (and counting) to navigate the politics of leadership by building trust, relationship, and networks. Learn more about Women Leading Ed at womenleadinged.com and follow on social media @WomenLeadingEd.
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