I still remember the heat of the stage lights, the silence before the first line and the electricity in the air when the audience erupted into applause. I was a high school junior playing Tituba in The Crucible. After years of auditioning, working hard and being told to “fix” my accent, I was finally on stage. I improvised. I engaged. I made the character mine and in doing so, I felt seen and heard in a way I never had before.

That moment stayed with me, not because of the cheers, but because it was the first time I realized I could shape my own narrative. I didn’t have to fit into someone else’s version of who I was supposed to be.

Years later, that same truth came full circle during my time as NSPRA president.

When I stepped into this role, the first Latina to do so, I felt the weight of being the “first.” But as I traveled across the country, visited chapters and connected with hundreds of members, I realized something much more profound: it was never about being the first. It was about making space for others. It was about learning, listening and leading together.

This past year taught me that our stories, while unique, are deeply connected. Whether in a small rural district or a large urban community, whether new to school PR or a seasoned veteran, our members share a common need, to be seen, heard and connected with.

I heard stories of incredible resilience, creativity and commitment. I saw firsthand how school communicators are often the heart of their districts navigating crises, building trust and making sure every family feels informed and valued. What struck me most was the deep sense of community within NSPRA. No matter where I went, there was a shared purpose: to elevate voices, especially those that haven’t always been heard.

Being president wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about amplifying the voices already doing the work. It was about learning from members who bring different experiences, perspectives and talents to the table. And it was about recognizing that true leadership is rooted in connection, not position.

That sense of familia is something I carry deeply, both culturally and personally. In my heritage, family means everything, it’s where stories are passed down, values are shaped and strength is shared. That same spirit lives within NSPRA. We support one another, we show up for each other and we lead with heart. NSPRA isn’t just a network. It’s a professional home.

Representation matters but not just in who holds the microphone. It matters who gets invited into the conversation, whose stories are told and who feels empowered to tell them.

As I reflect on this journey, I return to that young girl on stage, trusting her instincts and speaking her truth. She didn’t know it then, standing there with applause still echoing in her ears, that her story was only beginning. One day, her stage would not be a high school auditorium but a national community of professionals who believe in the power of storytelling not just for communications, but for change.

As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, I’ve been reflecting on this past year. Thank you to every NSPRA member who shared their time, voice and wisdom with me this year. You reminded me that the work we do matters, but so do the people behind it. Let’s keep making room. Let’s keep lifting each other up. Let’s make sure none of us are the last.