A Voice for Valley Students

Though her parents had limited formal education, they attended a migrant parent program that taught them how to support their children throughout their educational journey. Lira says she and her three brothers grew up knowing how important education was to their parents.

After spending her childhood moving from place to place, Lira recalls the sense of home she felt when she visited FPU as a senior at Clovis West. "After attending so many schools, I wanted someplace where people knew me by name, where I felt supported and had a feeling of security that I wasn't alone, and I automatically felt that when I visited Fresno Pacific University," she says.

Shaped by her experiences as a migrant student and English learner, Lira started college knowing she wanted to be a teacher. She says she started FPU with a teaching mindset but came out with a leadership mindset. "Fresno Pacific is very Christ-centered, but its mission to develop students for leadership and service is also very impactful."

After graduating from FPU in 2003 with a BA in Liberal Studies, she began her career at Kerman Unified School District.

She spent her first 10 years with the district as an elementary school and migrant teacher before transitioning to administration. She spent the next 10 years as an assistant principal, principal, district director and assistant superintendent. "I felt connected to Kerman Unified because of my background, and my dream was to support families that were similar to mine," she says. "I wanted to make sure I was empowering parents with some of the brave skills I learned through Fresno Pacific on how to be connected with the kiddos and also their careers."

Two years ago, Lira's retiring superintendent encouraged her to apply for a position with Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, telling her she should be using her voice to support those without one on a larger scale. After a nationwide search, she was named deputy superintendent at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, where she supports instructional services for more than 206,000 students across Fresno County. Lira's work centers on partnering with districts, educators and communities to strengthen teaching and learning, expand equitable access to quality instruction and build systems that support student success.

Last year, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Michele Cantwell-Copher, Ed.D., nominated Lira for the 42nd Annual Marjaree Mason Top Ten Professional Women Awards.

In October, Lira was named one of the honorees selected based on their achievements, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in the Central Valley. "For someone who began as a migrant student, this recognition is a powerful reminder of what is possible when education, opportunity and community come together," Lira says.

Lira's parents were able to leave their days of laboring in the fields behind when they started their own small trucking company. She says she admires how hard her parents have always worked for their family. When Lira has moved over the years, her parents have followed, never living more than a few houses away from her, her three children and husband, Bert. It's been through the lens of her own life experiences that Lira is able to frame her career as an educator.

Lira says FPU taught her to be humble, vulnerable and ethical—all principles that continue to guide her as she works towards creating meaningful impact for students in a learning environment where each one feels seen, valued and capable. "The skills and values I developed there continue to guide my work today, especially the importance of listening, leading with integrity and remaining grounded in purpose."